The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is offering additional financial support to individuals with disabilities who receive certain benefits.
These extra payments, which can total up to £909 per month, are known as disability premiums and are typically added to qualifying benefits automatically—meaning there’s no need to apply.
Who Can Get These Disability Premiums?
These extra disability payments are intended for claimants who are formally recognised as disabled. They come in three levels, depending on the severity of the disability, and can significantly increase your regular benefit amount.
Importantly, you may qualify for more than one premium at the same time, resulting in a larger total weekly or monthly payment.
Eligible Benefits for Disability Premiums
Disability premiums are only awarded if you receive one of the following qualifying benefits:
| Qualifying Benefits |
|---|
| Income Support |
| Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) |
| Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) |
| Housing Benefit |
| Disability Living Allowance (DLA) |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) |
| Adult Disability Payment (ADP) |
| Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) |
| Working Tax Credit with a disability element |
| Attendance Allowance |
| Constant Attendance Allowance |
| War Pensioners Mobility Supplement |
| Severe Disablement Allowance |
| Incapacity Benefit |
Note: To be eligible for a disability premium, the claimant or their partner must typically be under pension credit age and either be registered blind or receive one of the benefits listed above.
Breakdown of the Disability Premiums Available
1. Disability Premium
- £43.20 per week for a single person
- £61.65 per week for a couple
2. Severe Disability Premium
- £89.20 per week for an individual
- £165.80 per week for a couple (if both qualify)
- £81.50 per week may be awarded to couples who don’t fully meet the requirements
Example: If both partners qualify for the disability and severe disability premium, a couple could receive £227.45 per week, which adds up to just over £909 per month.
To qualify for the Severe Disability Premium, you must receive either a disability premium or income-related ESA, along with one of the following:
- DLA care component (middle or high rate)
- AFIP
- PIP daily living component
- Attendance Allowance (or Constant Attendance Allowance with Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit or War Pension)
- ADP daily living component at standard or enhanced rate
3. Enhanced Disability Premium
- £21.20 per week for a single individual
- £30.25 per week for a couple (if one partner qualifies)
Important: If you’re on income-related ESA, you can only claim severe or enhanced disability premiums, not both.
The DWP’s disability premiums offer significant financial relief to those who are disabled and claiming certain benefits. With automatic payments of up to £909 per month, eligible individuals and couples can receive crucial support without needing to go through an application process.
It’s essential to understand which premiums you’re entitled to and how they stack with existing benefits to ensure you’re receiving the maximum financial assistance available.
FAQs
Do I need to apply for disability premiums?
No. Disability premiums are usually applied automatically if you receive one of the qualifying benefits and meet the criteria.
Can I receive more than one disability premium?
Yes. It is possible to receive both the disability premium and the severe or enhanced disability premium, depending on your eligibility.
How do I know if I’m getting the correct premium amount?
You can check your benefit statement or contact DWP directly to confirm if the correct disability premiums are being added to your payment.