Benefit Stories

In this video, we speak with a woman living with severe aphasia after three strokes (2011, 2014, 2020). She explains what applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) was like after being refused, why she decided to try again, and what helped her keep going. We also discuss the role of partner support and community organisations in gathering evidence and coping with the stress of the process.

In this video, a husband and carer shares how he supported his wife (who lives with aphasia) through the Blue Badge process. He talks through the application, what happened when they were rejected, and how they approached the appeal—including what evidence made the biggest difference. We also connect day-to-day impacts of aphasia (fatigue, anxiety in noisy places, confidence, communication barriers) to mobility, planning journeys, and accessing services fairly.

In this video, a man shares his experience of applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) after a stroke that led to aphasia. He describes applying multiple times, being refused repeatedly, and eventually succeeding through the appeals process. We discuss what support helped (including Citizens Advice and an aphasia advocate), what he wishes he’d known earlier, and why it can be worth challenging decisions when you can.

In this video, Sally, a Speech & Language Therapist (SLT) with 20+ years’ experience supporting benefit applications, shares practical advice for navigating disability benefits—especially PIP—for people with aphasia and other hidden disabilities. We cover why applications can be so difficult (long forms, deadlines, collecting information), how communication needs are often underestimated, and what strong evidence can look like in practice. We also discuss ways to get support and reduce the burden on applicants and families.

In this video, a young man living with aphasia and epilepsy after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) shares his experience of navigating PIP. He describes learning what support existed, how difficult the process felt when doing it alone, and how getting help changed things. We also talk about reassessments and the stress of potentially losing support, plus practical tips (for example: answering from your “worst day” and bringing someone with you). He also mentions other support options such as the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower and a CEA Card for accessible venues.