DWP Launches New £140 Weekly Benefit – See If You’re Eligible Today

If you’re dealing with a health condition or disability that makes working difficult or impossible, you might feel unsure of where to turn for help. Thankfully, the UK government provides a support system for situations just like this. It’s called the New-Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and it might be exactly what you need to ease your financial burden while focusing on your health.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this benefit – who it’s for, how much you can get, and how to apply.

What is New-Style ESA?

The New-Style ESA is a benefit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) designed specifically for people who can’t work (or can’t work full-time) due to illness or disability. What makes it different from other benefits like Universal Credit is that it’s contribution-based – meaning it’s based on your National Insurance (NI) contributions, not your household income or savings.

If you’ve been employed and paid National Insurance in the last two to three years but are now unable to work due to your health, this benefit may offer a lifeline of up to £140 a week.

Why Is It Important?

The New-Style ESA is more than just financial support. It helps protect your NI record, which is crucial for your future State Pension. Missing NI contributions can affect your retirement income, so claiming ESA keeps your record intact while you’re unable to work.

Who Can Claim?

Before applying, make sure you meet all three of the following criteria:

1. Age Requirement: You must be below State Pension age (currently 66 in the UK).
2. Health Condition: You must have a physical or mental health issue that affects your ability to work.
3. NI Contributions: You need to have paid or been credited with enough National Insurance in the previous two to three tax years.

What if You Don’t Meet the Criteria?

If you haven’t paid enough NI contributions or if your health condition is less severe, don’t worry. You may still be eligible for other benefits like Universal Credit or Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which have different eligibility rules.

How Much Can You Get?

Payments depend on which stage of the ESA process you’re in:

Stage	Weekly Payment (2025)	Details
Initial Assessment Phase	Up to £84.80	First 13 weeks after applying
Work-Related Activity Group	Up to £113.60	You can do some work
Support Group	Up to £140.55	You’re unable to work at all

Note: If you receive more than £85 a week from a private pension, this may reduce your ESA.

Real-Life Example

Let’s say Sarah, aged 45, worked full-time in retail for 10 years. After being diagnosed with a chronic illness that limits her mobility, she can no longer stand for long hours or commute easily. Since she paid National Insurance while working, she qualifies for New-Style ESA. She applies and during the assessment period receives £84.80 per week. After her Work Capability Assessment, she’s placed in the Support Group and begins receiving £140.55 a week, giving her peace of mind and financial support while she focuses on treatment.

The Application Process

Applying might sound daunting, but it’s fairly straightforward if you follow the steps carefully.

1. Check Eligibility

Before starting, ensure you meet the age, health, and NI contribution requirements. You can check your NI record online through your personal tax account on the gov.uk website.

2. Apply Online

Visit gov.uk and fill out the application form. You’ll need:

• Your National Insurance number
• Employment history
• Details of your illness or disability
• Bank details for payments

3. Submit Medical Evidence

Gather supporting medical documents such as:

• GP letters
• Hospital discharge summaries
• Specialist reports

These will support your claim and speed up the decision-making process.

4. Assessment Phase

After you apply, you’ll enter the “assessment phase,” which typically lasts around 13 weeks. During this time, you might be asked to attend a Work Capability Assessment. This assessment determines how your condition affects your ability to work.

5. Decision Time

Once assessed, the DWP will place you into one of two groups:

• Work-Related Activity Group if they believe you can do some work with support
• Support Group if you’re not expected to work at all

If you disagree with their decision, you can request a reconsideration or appeal the outcome.

Can You Work and Still Claim ESA?

Surprisingly, yes! ESA allows for what’s called “permitted work.” This means you can earn up to £140 a week without it affecting your ESA, as long as the work meets certain conditions:

• It’s part of a treatment plan
• It’s therapeutic
• It’s supervised or time-limited

So, for example, if you’re undergoing treatment for depression and your doctor suggests volunteering or a part-time admin job as part of your recovery, that’s allowed under ESA rules.

Additional Support You Might Qualify For

The New-Style ESA can be combined with other benefits if needed. Here’s what else you might look into:

• Universal Credit: If your household income is low, you might be able to claim this alongside ESA.
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP): If you need help with daily activities or getting around.
• Housing Benefit or housing support through Universal Credit if you rent and are struggling with payments.

Final Thoughts

Living with a health condition that prevents you from working is challenging enough without worrying about finances. The New-Style ESA is designed to help relieve some of that burden by giving you the financial breathing space you need to focus on your recovery and well-being.

If you think you might qualify, don’t delay. Head to the gov.uk website, check your eligibility, gather your documents, and start the application process. And remember, if you need help at any step, benefits advisors or local support services are there to guide you.

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