What help is available?
‍Continence advisors are available to help manage bowel or bladder problems and can advise which products are best for your needs. A continence advisor will help work out the factors causing the incontinence and recommend a treatment plan through an assessment. The assessment can either be at home or at an advisor’s office. After an assessment, depending on individual needs, you may be able to get free products or access the Disability Allowance (see below) to assist with paying for the product you require.
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‍How to get an assessment?
‍You can ask your doctor for a referral to a continence advisor. You can also call our helpline on 0800 650 659 for friendly advice. As there can be a waitlist for continence advisors, please ask your GP for a referral as soon as possible. You can also speak to your GP or call our helpline for initial support. For a list of continence services nationwide, call our helpline or visit the Continence Service Providers page on our website.

There are also pelvic floor physiotherapists who work in private practice and may be able to assist with an assessment. You can find them in our Continence Service Providers list above. Please note, these private clinics incur a fee.

‍Disability Allowance
‍You may be able to use the Disability Allowance to help with the cost of incontinence products. The Disability Allowance is a weekly payment for people who have regular, ongoing costs because of a disability.

You need to provide confirmation from your doctor or other health practitioner that you need the continence products, and proof of your costs. You don't have to be on a benefit to qualify for a Disability Allowance, but there are income limits and other rules.

If you are a carer, you can apply for a Disability Allowance on someone else's behalf, but only if they've filled out a form to appoint you as their agent. You can apply on behalf of a child if they're 18 or under and financially dependent on you.

Find out more and see how to apply here.