MoneyMagpie Editor and financial expert Vicky Parry explores how disabled people can top up their income – especially if they face getting PIP and benefits cut
Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent Spring Statement put a lot of fear onto disabled people across the UK. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a non-means tested benefit to help disabled people with the extra cost of living – from paying for carers, Motability car hire and adaptations, to taxis to get to work or cleaners to stay living independently, many face losing this vital income.
The good news is there are some things that people can do now to start topping up their income, to prepare against the forthcoming cuts that might dramatically reduce their finances. These suggestions for disabled people to make money are part-time, flexible, and can be done remotely at home.
Offer administrative support
One good thing to come out of lockdown five years ago was that more people worked from home than ever before. And despite the current push to get people ‘back into the office’, there are still tasks that can be done from home to support businesses. The key here is to look local.
Large corporations will have their mandates and staff roles filled. Local businesses may be feeling incredibly stretched, especially if they have had to reduce the PAYE workforce due to increased business costs. A freelance administrative assistant can help: offer your services for a few hours a week to manage diaries, reply to customer service emails, or update their social media.
Freelancers don’t cost businesses National Insurance or tax, which means you can help keep their operating costs low. Working remotely also means you’re not costing them to be in their own office space, and you can manage your own adaptive setup as you need it (Access to Work might have big delays, but once you get through the queue they are supportive).
Create your own job share
Do you know other disabled people who can offer a few hours each week, but are not able to work full-time jobs? This is something many are worried about, as the Government’s push to ‘get people working’ does not align with employer requirements to be accessible and equitable when hiring disabled people – such as flexible working hours.
If you know someone else who could do the same job as you, such as running a business’ social media, offering coaching or consulting, or even making crafts to sell, consider joining forces. Or look for people who do work related to yours: for example, if you’re a copywriter, partner up with a graphic designer, and refer work to each other. This boosts your working capabilities together, without increasing the workload of networking and finding clients.
Sign up for clinical studies
You might think having a long-term health condition excludes you from participating in clinical studies – and it does for some, such as flu treatments. However, there will be studies that you are eligible for, whether that’s because of your condition or because your condition doesn’t make you ineligible.
Some studies are short-term and some longer term, and the pay varies a lot depending on what you are asked to do. If you’re just answering questions, it’s around £30 an hour. But if you’re on a paid trial, you could earn up to £1,000 a week. Clinical studies aren’t for everyone, of course, but you might find that you’re an ideal candidate for some. Look at reputable sites like
Become a disability advocate and champion
This may not be for everyone, because there is emotional labour already involved in existing as a disabled person. However, for those passionate about implementing change, there are part-time jobs or freelance consulting opportunities to be had. This is especially important if employers are, hopefully, encouraged to do more to hire and retain disabled staff. Disability consultants can assess their workplaces and practices to provide guidance on how to make their business more accessible for employees and customers.
Become a sensitivity reader
If you are passionate about disability representation in media, you could earn money as a sensitivity reader or storyline consultant. Your specialist knowledge of your experiences as a disabled person are very valuable to those who want to represent it in media but don’t have lived experience.
From consulting on soap storylines (often done via charities, so speak to your local or national relevant charity about this), to reading independent authors’ books before publication, your voice counts. Sensitivity readers help create realistic portrayals of disabled people in media, and it’s a job that can be done in your own time at home.
Rent out a room for £7,500 tax-free income
While this is not a job, it can create a significant side income for anyone with a spare room in their home. Under the Government’s Rent a Room scheme, homeowners can take a live-in lodger and receive £7,500 a year in rent tax-free. You can charge more, but anything above £7,500 will be taxed. You must live in the property as your main residence, and it can’t be a separate property like an annexe in the garden.
The good thing about this scheme is that you could do it part-time, too. For example, if you live in a university town, many will want to stay in the area during summer but student leases are only nine months long – leaving them unable to stay. A three-month let suits everyone: you benefit from the rent, without a long-term commitment, and the student gets to stay and work in their area over the summer.
If you’re a rental tenant yourself, but have a spare room, check your rental agreement regarding subletting. Taking in a subletter lodger could dramatically reduce your rental costs.
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