DWP payment worth £737 a month is now available to millions of people

From today, millions are now eligible for a monthly payment of £737 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if they have one of 26 common medical conditions. This comes as inflation-linked changes to benefits come into effect.

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced this increase in his autumn statement last November. The change means that key payments claimed by millions, including universal credit, state pension, and some disability benefits, will rise by 6.7%, in line with the September consumer price index (CPI) inflation figure.

This is a welcome development for many households grappling with escalating living costs, especially those with a long-term illness or disability who may qualify for personal independence payments (PIP). These payments are given to individuals with a long-term illness, mental health condition, or physical or learning disability.

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These payments are made every four weeks and will also be increased in April as part of the 2024-25 uplift to benefits announced by the chancellor in November. The eligibility for PIP isn't determined by National Insurance contributions and it's not means-tested.

This means you can still receive it even if you're employed, have savings, or are receiving other benefits, reports Wales Online. PIP is made up of two parts - a daily living rate and a mobility rate, and claimants may be eligible for one or both at the same time.

Each rate has a standard and an enhanced level. The benefit is tax-free and the amount you receive isn't affected by your income or savings.

To qualify for the funds, you'll need to undergo an assessment by an independent healthcare professional. This will help the DWP determine the level of assistance you require.

Assessments can be carried out face-to-face, via video call, over the phone, or through paper-based assessments. The method of assessment is decided by the DWP, not the claimant.

There are several common medical conditions that could make you eligible for PIP, including coeliac disease, bowel issues, Crohn's disease, and constipation.

Here's the most recent list of 26 common medical conditions that could qualify you for the payments:

Diseases of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum

• Hiatus hernia / gastroesophageal reflux disease / reflux oesophagitis
• Oesophageal varices
• Oesophagus, stomach and duodenum - Other diseases of / type not known
• Peptic ulcer (gastric and duodenal)/gastritis

Diseases of the small bowel

• Coeliac disease
• Small bowel - Other diseases of / type not known

Inflammatory bowel disease

• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis

Diseases of the colon

• Colon - Other diseases of / type not known
• Constipation
• Diverticular disease / diverticulitis

Diseases of the rectum and anus

• Anorectal abscess
• Fistula in anus
• Haemorrhoids
• Rectal prolapse
• Rectum/anus - Other diseases of / type not known
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Benign tumours of the gastrointestinal tract
• Abdominal hernias
• Hernia

Congenital disorders of the GI tract

• Cleft lip
• Cleft lip with cleft palate
• Hirschprung Disease
• Tracheo-oesophageal fistula/atresia

With the new rates, if you qualify for both the enhanced daily living and enhanced mobility components, you'll receive a total of £737.20 every four weeks. If you're eligible for both the standard daily living and standard mobility components, you'll receive £405.40 every four weeks.

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