DWP £368 Financial Boost for State Pensioners: Many people in the UK may be losing out on important financial support from the government. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) to help those who are unable to work due to a disability or health condition. Around 1.7 million people already get this help, but many more might be eligible and not even know it.
This article explains what ESA is, how much money you can get, who qualifies, and how to apply. If you’re facing health issues that affect your ability to work, you could get extra support through ESA. Read on to find out if you or someone you know might be missing out on this help.
What Is ESA and Who Can Apply?
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is money given to people who cannot work or can only work a little because of a health problem or disability. You may be able to claim the ‘new-style’ ESA if:
- You’re below the state pension age.
- Your condition makes it hard to work.
- You’ve paid enough National Insurance in the last 2 to 3 years.
You can’t get ESA along with Jobseeker’s Allowance or Statutory Sick Pay, but you can get it with Universal Credit. However, if you do, your Universal Credit amount will go down depending on how much ESA you get.
How to Apply for ESA?
To apply, you can:
- Visit the official government website to apply online.
- Call 0800 055 6688 for help applying over the phone.
Here’s what you’ll need to provide:
- Your National Insurance number
- Your bank or building society account details
- Your doctor’s contact information
- A fit note if you’ve been off work for over 7 days
- Details about your income, if you are working
- The date your Statutory Sick Pay ends, if you’re claiming it
Once you apply, the DWP will contact you. During the 13-week assessment period, you will get a temporary amount called the assessment rate. After that, based on your condition, you’ll be placed into one of two groups:
- Work-Related Activity Group – if you may work in the future
- Support Group – if you are unlikely to work again
ESA Payment Rates from April 2025
The government has increased ESA rates from April 2025. Here’s a quick look at some key updates:
Personal Allowances:
Single (under 25): £72.90
Single (25 or over): £92.05
Lone Parent (over 18): £92.05
Couple (both over 18): £144.65
Premiums:
Enhanced Disability (Single): £21.20
Severe Disability (Single): £82.90
Carer: £46.40
Components:
Work-related activity: £36.55
Support: £48.50
Payments are made every two weeks. For example, a single person over 25 would get £368.20 every four weeks.
If you’re in the support group and receiving income-related ESA, you can also get extra money through disability premiums.
Health Conditions That Qualify for ESA
ESA covers a wide range of physical and mental health issues. According to DWP, here are the main types of conditions:
- Mental health conditions like depression or anxiety
- Long-term diseases like diabetes or cancer
- Physical problems like back pain or arthritis
- Breathing issues like asthma
- Brain or nerve disorders like epilepsy
- Eye or ear conditions
- Skin diseases
- Problems from injuries or accidents
Even if your condition is not diagnosed yet or you’re waiting for tests, you may still qualify for ESA.
If you or someone you know has a health problem that makes working difficult, ESA could offer financial support. Many people don’t realise they qualify for this benefit, even though it could help with living costs. Check the conditions and apply if you think you’re eligible. It’s better to try and find out than to miss out on money you might be entitled to. The system might seem confusing, but help is available, and the support can make a big difference.
