**DWP Reveals 23 Qualifying Medical Conditions for £368 Payment – Here’s What You Need to Know**
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has highlighted that thousands of people could be missing out on significant financial assistance, as updates to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) are set for the coming year. With the cost of living crisis continuing to put pressure on vulnerable households, the spotlight is firmly on the eligibility criteria and the support available for those with health conditions that limit their ability to work.
ESA currently reaches around 1.7 million individuals in the United Kingdom, offering financial support to people who struggle to maintain employment due to disability or ill health. The benefit aims to help cover additional costs that can arise from living with a medical condition, and could be a crucial lifeline for many who may otherwise go unsupported.
Applicants can seek ‘new-style’ ESA if they are under the state pension age, possess a health issue or disability impeding their work activities, and have made sufficient National Insurance contributions in the recent two to three years. Importantly, this benefit is incompatible with Jobseeker’s Allowance or Statutory Sick Pay, though it can be claimed alongside Universal Credit. However, anyone in receipt of both benefits will see their Universal Credit payments adjusted to reflect the ESA amount received.
To begin a claim, individuals are required to submit an application—either online or via the DWP’s helpline. The process involves providing a National Insurance number, banking details, GP information, a valid ‘fit note’ if unable to work for over a week, details of any ongoing income, and information about Statutory Sick Pay if applicable. Once the initial claim is made, the DWP will contact the applicant for further documentation or assessment.
Benefits are initially paid at an ‘assessment rate’ during a typical trial period of 13 weeks, after which claimants are assigned either to a work-related activity group or a support group, depending on the likelihood of re-entering employment in the future. This assessment determines the type and rate of ongoing ESA support.
From April 2025, ESA rates will see increases across various categories. For those under 25, the weekly rate will be £72.90, and for those 25 or older, £92.05. Lone parents and couples each have their own specified rates that will also see slight rises. Additional payments are available for those who qualify for premiums such as the enhanced disability premium, severe disability premium, or carer’s premium.
For example, an adult aged over 25 receiving ESA can expect to receive over £368 every four weeks under the new rates. Those assigned to the support group may also receive further financial premiums, aiming to address the higher costs associated with more severe disabilities.
According to updated DWP guidance, there are 23 broad categories of health conditions that may qualify individuals for ESA. These span a vast range, including: infectious diseases, cancers, blood disorders, endocrine or metabolic conditions, mental and behavioural issues, nervous system disorders, visual and auditory impairments, circulatory and respiratory diseases, digestive, skin, musculoskeletal, and genito-urinary disorders. Pregnancy-related complications, congenital abnormalities, symptoms without clear diagnosis, injuries, poisoning, and influences on overall health status are also covered. The DWP notes that some claimants may even be evaluated for ESA without a precise diagnosis listed in their records.
While ESA is designed to be flexible and inclusive to recognise the varied impacts health conditions can have on individuals’ working lives, the application process is not always straightforward. Disability charities have previously called on the government to simplify the procedure and ensure people are not discouraged by daunting paperwork or complex eligibility assessments.
The DWP maintains that it is committed to supporting those in need, but people are urged to check their eligibility promptly and seek advice if unsure, since under-claiming remains a persistent issue for such benefits. Those applying are also encouraged to gather full medical evidence and maintain regular contact with their GP and other healthcare professionals to support their application.
In conclusion, with ESA rates on the rise and the list of qualifying conditions spanning a comprehensive spectrum of illnesses and disabilities, it has never been more important for affected individuals to consider if they could be eligible for this support. The DWP encourages anyone with questions to consult its website or contact the helpline for guidance, ensuring that vital assistance is not left unclaimed when it could make a real difference.