DWP announces £552 Payments to Some Disabled Individuals:: The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is set to issue £552 payments to some disabled individuals through Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). This comes as the government prepares to introduce £6 billion in spending cuts on March 26, 2025.
ESA provides financial assistance and employment support to those unable to work due to illness or disability. It helps claimants manage their condition at work while offering access to Work Coaches, training, and support services.
Who Can Claim ESA?
You may be eligible for ESA if:
- Your Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) has ended or you are not eligible for SSP.
- You are employed, self-employed, unemployed, or a student on Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
- You have not returned to work after receiving Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) due to illness or disability.
- You are under State Pension age.
- You are not receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).
- You have a long-term illness or disability that affects your ability to work.
You may qualify if you are unable to work for at least two days in a row or are undergoing special medical treatment.
How Much ESA Can You Get?
1. Assessment Phase (First 13 Weeks)
- Under 25: £71.70 per week.
- 25 and over: £90.50 per week.
This “assessment rate” is paid while your claim is being processed.
2. After Assessment (ESA Payment Rates)
After the 13-week assessment period, claimants are placed into one of two groups:
| ESA Group | Weekly Payment | Monthly Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Work-Related Activity Group | £90.50 | £362.00 |
| Support Group (Severe Conditions) | £138.20 | £552.80 |
Those in the Support Group receive the highest rate, as they are unable to work due to their condition.
Types of ESA
There are three types of ESA:
1. New Style ESA
- Based on National Insurance (NI) contributions.
- Your partner’s income and savings do not affect your payments.
- Can be claimed alone or with Universal Credit (but ESA is deducted from Universal Credit if claimed together).
2. Contribution-Based ESA
- Based on your own National Insurance (NI) record.
- Your partner’s income and savings do not affect payments.
- Can be claimed alongside Universal Credit.
3. Income-Related ESA (No longer available for new claims)
- Based on household income and savings.
- Only available to existing claimants.
If you claim both Universal Credit and ESA, your ESA payments will be deducted from your Universal Credit amount.
How to Apply for ESA
You can apply for New Style ESA if you:
Have paid enough National Insurance (NI) contributions.
Are unable to work due to illness or disability.
Are not receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).How to Apply:
DWP ESA Helpline: 0800 055 6688
Apply Online: Visit the UK government website
The DWP’s £552 ESA payment provides crucial financial aid to individuals unable to work due to health conditions. However, with £6 billion in government spending cuts planned for March 26, 2025, future changes to ESA and other benefits may be announced.
If you believe you are eligible, apply for ESA as soon as possible to secure financial support.
FAQ’s
Who qualifies for the £552 ESA payment?
ESA is available to individuals who are unable to work due to illness or disability, have paid enough National Insurance contributions, and are not receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA).
How is ESA paid and when will I receive it?
ESA is paid weekly. The first 13 weeks are at the assessment rate (£71.70 or £90.50 per week). After assessment, payments range from £90.50 to £138.20 per week.
Can I get ESA and Universal Credit together?
Yes, but your ESA payments will be deducted from your Universal Credit amount, meaning you may not receive extra money.
What are the different types of ESA?
There are three types: New Style ESA (based on NI contributions), Contribution-Based ESA (also based on NI), and Income-Related ESA (only for existing claimants).
How do I apply for ESA?
You can apply online through GOV.UK or call the DWP ESA helpline at 0800 055 6688.
