The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides crucial financial support to individuals whose health conditions significantly impact their daily lives and ability to work. With spending on working-age sickness and disability benefits increasing by £20 billion since the pandemic, understanding these benefits has never been more important.
Current DWP health benefits can provide up to £187.45 per week (£749.80 monthly) through Personal Independence Payment alone, plus additional Employment and Support Allowance payments for those unable to work due to qualifying medical conditions.
Understanding DWP Health Benefits
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps with extra costs if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. The payment amount depends on how your condition affects your daily living activities and mobility.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
ESA provides financial support to people with specific health conditions, with payments reaching up to £518 per month for those in the support group who cannot work due to their medical conditions.
Current Payment Rates and Amounts
PIP Weekly Payment Rates
The current PIP rates are structured as follows:
| Component | Lower Weekly Rate | Higher Weekly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living Part | £73.90 | £110.40 |
| Mobility Part | £29.20 | £77.05 |
Maximum Monthly PIP Payment: £749.80 (if receiving both higher rates)
ESA Payment Structure
ESA payments are made every two weeks, with those in the support group receiving up to £518 per month. If you’re in the support group and on income-related ESA, you’re also entitled to the enhanced disability premium and may qualify for the severe disability premium.
The 23 Qualifying Medical Conditions
According to DWP data, there are 23 groups of medical conditions that could make you eligible for ESA. These encompass a wide range of physical and mental health conditions:
Neurological and Mental Health Conditions
- Diseases of the nervous system
- Mental and behavioural disorders
- Congenital malformations, deformations, and chromosomal abnormalities
Physical Health Conditions
- Diseases of the circulatory system
- Diseases of the respiratory system
- Diseases of the digestive system
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
- Diseases of the genitourinary system
Sensory and Developmental Conditions
- Diseases of the eye and adnexa
- Diseases of the ear and mastoid process
- Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases
Cancer and Blood Disorders
- Neoplasms (tumours and cancers)
- Diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs
Other Qualifying Conditions
- Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
- Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
- Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings
- Certain infectious and parasitic diseases
- Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium
- Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period
- External causes of morbidity and mortality
- Factors influencing health status and contact with health services
Important Note: If your condition isn’t listed, you may still be eligible. ESA applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, with strong emphasis on supporting medical documentation.
Eligibility Requirements
Age and National Insurance Requirements
You can apply for ‘new-style’ ESA if you are below state pension age and have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work, but you also need to have both worked as an employee or been self-employed and paid enough National Insurance contributions – normally in the last two to three years.
Work Capability Assessment
DWP will assess your ability to work through a questionnaire and a face-to-face/telephone medical review. A healthcare professional will evaluate how your condition affects your ability to perform daily tasks, your ability to walk, sit, concentrate, or interact with others.
Application Process and Timeline
How to Apply
You can apply for ESA online or by phone on 0800 055 6688. For PIP, you can make an initial claim by calling the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) on 0800 917 2222.
Required Documentation
To apply you’ll need your bank or building society account number and sort code, your doctor’s name, address, and telephone number, and a fit note if you’ve not been able to work for more than seven days in a row because of a disability or health condition.
Assessment Timeline
You’ll normally get the ‘assessment rate’ for 13 weeks while your claim is being assessed. If it takes longer than 13 weeks to assess your claim you’ll continue getting the ‘assessment rate’ until you get a decision.
Work Capability Groups and Benefits
Support Group vs Work-Related Activity Group
Work-Related Activity Group (WRAG): You’ll receive support preparing for work. Support Group: You’ll receive full payments with no obligation to look for work.
Additional Benefits and Premiums
You may get a top-up (called a disability premium) if you get Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or Housing Benefit.
Recent Policy Changes and Future Outlook
Universal Credit Integration
All UC awards include a standard allowance worth £400.14 a month for single people aged 25 and over, with different rates for couples and people under 25. Those with disabilities and health conditions which significantly affect their capability to work can also get a ‘health element’ of £423.27 a month.
Planned Reforms
The UC health element would be roughly halved for most new recipients from 6 April 2026 from £432.27 a month to £217.26, then frozen for four years, representing significant changes to the disability benefit landscape.
Additional Support and Discounts
Transportation and Mobility Support
If you get the mobility part of PIP, you might be eligible for a Blue Badge, vehicle tax discount or exemption, or Motability Scheme vehicle if you get the higher mobility rate of PIP.
Other Financial Help
You may be able to get a discount on Council Tax and local bus travel. If someone helps to care for you, they may be able to get Carer’s Allowance or Carer’s Credit.
Maximising Your Support
Combining Benefits
These can significantly increase your total monthly support—often exceeding £800 combined when multiple benefits are accessed together.
Permitted Work Rules
Under “permitted work” rules, you can earn up to £167 a week without affecting your ESA, allowing for some income flexibility while receiving support.
Getting Help and Support
Understanding and navigating the benefits system can be complex. Many applicants decide to ask for help from a local advice agency, and it’s worth contacting Citizens Advice or your local Jobcentre Plus for guidance throughout the application process.
The key to a successful application lies in thorough medical documentation and understanding exactly how your condition impacts your daily life and work capability. With proper preparation and support, those with qualifying conditions can access vital financial assistance to help manage the additional costs of living with a disability or long-term health condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I work while receiving these benefits? A: Yes, under “permitted work” rules, you can earn up to £167 a week without affecting your ESA, and PIP is not affected by income or work status.
Q: How long does the application process take? A: It typically takes 4-6 weeks for DWP to process an application, with backdated payments potentially available if you applied late.
Q: What if my condition isn’t on the list of 23? A: If your condition isn’t listed, you may still be eligible as ESA applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis with strong emphasis on supporting medical documentation.