DWP Reveals 23 Medical Conditions That Could Qualify You For £362 Monthly Payments

Thousands of UK residents may be missing out on financial support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

If you are under the state pension age and your health condition affects your ability to work, you may be eligible for up to £362 monthly through Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know, including the 23 medical categories, payment rates, and how to apply.

What is ESA and Who Qualifies?

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) helps people who are unable to work due to a long-term illness or disability. As of 2024, ESA payments increased by 6.7%, in line with benefit uplifts to support vulnerable individuals facing rising living costs.

To be eligible for the new-style ESA, you must:

• Be under the state pension age
• Have a disability or health condition that impacts your ability to work
• Have made enough National Insurance contributions in the past 2–3 years

You cannot claim new-style ESA if you’re on Jobseeker’s Allowance or Statutory Sick Pay, though it can be claimed alongside Universal Credit, with corresponding reductions.

DWP’s Full List of 23 Medical Conditions Eligible for ESA

The DWP classifies eligible conditions into the following 23 categories:

Medical Categories
Certain infectious and parasitic diseases
Neoplasms (tumours and cancers)
Blood and immune system diseases
Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases
Mental and behavioural disorders
Nervous system diseases
Eye and visual conditions
Ear and hearing conditions
Circulatory system diseases
Respiratory system diseases
Digestive system diseases
Skin and subcutaneous disorders
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases
Genito-urinary conditions
Pregnancy-related complications
Perinatal conditions (originating near birth)
Congenital abnormalities and genetic disorders
Unclassified symptoms and signs
Injury and poisoning cases
External causes of health problems
Factors influencing health status
Special purpose codes
Unknown or undiagnosed cases

If your condition falls within one of these categories, you should consider applying for ESA.

How Much ESA Can You Receive?

ESA is paid every two weeks, and the amount varies depending on age, living situation, and the assessment group you are placed into.

Category	Weekly Amount	Fortnightly Equivalent
Single, under 25	£71.70	£143.40
Single, 25+	£90.50	£181.00
Couple, both over 18	£142.25	£284.50
Work-related activity component	£35.95	£71.90
Support group component	£47.70	£95.40

You may also be eligible for additional premiums, including:

• Enhanced Disability: £20.85 (single) or £29.75 (couple)
• Severe Disability: Up to £163 (higher couple rate)
• Carer’s Premium: £45.60

How to Apply for ESA

You can apply for ESA:

• Online through the DWP’s official website
• By phone at 0800 055 6688

Information needed for application:

• National Insurance number
• Bank account details
• Doctor’s contact information
• Fit note (if off work for more than 7 days)
• Income and employment details
• SSP end date if applicable

After submission, you may receive assessment rate payments:

• Up to £67.20/week (under 25)
• Up to £84.80/week (25 and older)

This lasts for 13 weeks, during which your case will be assessed. You will be placed in either:

• Work-Related Activity Group
• Support Group

If you’re living with a disability or long-term health condition, you may be missing out on vital financial help. The DWP’s ESA benefit, now uplifted due to inflation, offers up to £362 or more monthly depending on your situation.

By checking the 23 qualifying medical conditions and meeting the eligibility criteria, you can access the support you’re entitled to.

Don’t delay—apply today and ease your financial burden during these challenging times.

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