Considering a loan when you have a disability
Living with a disability can make some costs less predictable. Travel, household equipment, extra support or an unexpected repair can all arrive at the wrong time. A personal loan may help spread one clear cost, but only when the monthly repayment still leaves enough room for everyday essentials.
118 118 Money does not offer a separate guaranteed loan for people with a disability. We look at every application individually, including regular income, household outgoings, existing borrowing, credit history and whether the repayments are affordable for you.
An eligibility check can show whether you are likely to be accepted before you make a full application. It does not affect your credit score. It is an indication, not a guaranteed offer, and a final decision is made after a full assessment.
Start with your real monthly budget
Before borrowing, look at what is genuinely left after the bills you cannot easily avoid. This is more useful than relying on a single income figure or a good month. Include housing, utilities, food, travel, phone bills, care costs, insurance and any existing credit payments.
Use reliable income. Base your budget on income you can count on, rather than occasional overtime, one-off payments or help that may not continue.
Allow for changing costs. Think about prescriptions, transport, energy, repairs and other costs that may not be the same every month.
Compare the whole commitment. Look at the total amount repayable and the term, not only whether the first monthly payment appears manageable.
Our loan calculator can help you compare amounts and repayment terms. It cannot decide what is affordable for you, so use it alongside an honest view of your own budget.
How eligibility and affordability are assessed
When you check eligibility, you give details that help us understand whether a personal loan might suit your situation. Income is only part of the picture. We also consider your regular spending, any existing borrowing and whether the proposed repayment is likely to be manageable.
If you choose to continue, a full application follows. That is when we make the final decision and set out any amount and term that may be available. Please give accurate information about your income and outgoings. It helps make sure the assessment reflects your real circumstances, not an idealised version of them.
If approved and set up, funds could arrive in as little as 15 minutes, although this can vary from 15 minutes to two hours depending on your bank. Speed should not be the deciding factor. Take time to check the repayment and terms before accepting any offer.
Keep the loan tied to a clear need
A fixed monthly repayment is easier to plan for when the borrowing is linked to a specific expense and there is a clear plan for repaying it. Before applying, write down the amount you need, when the cost is due and how the repayment would fit alongside your commitments for the full term.
Borrowing more than you need can make the total cost harder to manage. A longer term can reduce the monthly payment but may increase the total amount you repay. A shorter term can cost less overall, but only if the higher monthly payment is still comfortable. The right option is one that does not depend on everything going perfectly each month.
If your income or costs vary, test the repayment against a cautious month, not only a good one. That gives you a better chance of making a decision that still works when an annual bill or an unexpected expense comes along.
When another option may be better
Pause before borrowing if the loan would cover regular day-to-day costs or if you are already finding it hard to meet payments. A new loan can make a short gap in your budget more difficult next month, because the repayment remains after the original bill is gone.
It may be worth asking the company you owe about a payment arrangement, checking whether support is available, or getting free debt advice before taking on another monthly commitment. If benefits are part of your income, our guide to loans for people on benefits explains why it is important to check affordability carefully.
For help comparing your next steps, visit our money guidance. Borrowing should support a plan you can afford, not create a new pressure for your household.
Make a decision that works beyond this month
A loan decision is easier to live with when you have considered the months ahead, not only today’s immediate problem. Review the repayment alongside your essential costs, other commitments and the possibility of an unexpected bill.
If you are unsure, take time to review your budget or seek advice before applying. Checking eligibility can be a helpful next step when the repayment fits comfortably. There is no need to rush a decision that could affect your finances for several years.