Getting Help

Dealing with Authorities

When you’re disabled you often have a bewildering array of agencies and departments to deal with. Often we find callers are confused between agencies run by the government and those run by the local council.

Unitary and Two-Tier Authorities
At local council level it might be complicated as ,depending on where you live,you may have two councils, a so-called Two-tier system where some services are provided by your District Council and others by your County Council. In a Unitary Authority there is only one council. Find out which you are,Unitary or Two-tier.

Generally large towns and cities are unitary authorities. Small towns and rural areas are in district authorities within a larger County Council area.

Social Services Departments
Social Services Departments are run by the council, not the national government. In two-tier authorities it is run by the County Council. Its headquarters is most probably in the 'county seat' (i.e 'capital' of your county) but there may be a department office in your district.

Assessment of Needs
You can request your Social Services department to carry out an Assessment of Needs to ascertian what kind of help you are entitled to. Carers are entitled to a separate Assessment of Needs if they so require.


Social workers often ‘have a bad press’ but our experience is that, once alerted, Social Service Departments are very keen to help. But they cannot help you if you don’t tell them about your problems. A social worker will also be able to tell you of voluntary and charitable groups within your area which may be able to help you. A social worker can liaise for you with all kinds of assistance.


Benefits Agency
The Benefits Agency is run by the government but your Social Services Department can often help you when dealing with this agency. Many Social Services run a Benefits Advice Service or employ an Advocate for the Disabled. We strongly advise that you contact such help before filling in any benefits claim.

National Health Service
The National Health Service is run by the government but locally organised and your local Health Authority is quite separate from your local council. Some local Health Authorities now have specialist teams specifically dealing with disabled people.

Finding Out who's who and where
The best way to find out ‘who’s who' and 'where' 'agency –wise’ in your local area is to visit your Citizens’ Advice Bureau