DWP Rolls Out £749 Payments for 27 Health Conditions – Are You Eligible?

If you’re living with a long-term illness or disability, you’ll know how quickly costs can add up—from medical bills to transport or even home support. The UK government understands this struggle, and that’s why the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has introduced a one-off £749 payment for people living with certain health conditions.

This payment is connected to Personal Independence Payment (PIP)—a benefit meant to help people who need extra support in daily life due to health or mobility issues. But not everyone receiving PIP will automatically get this extra money.

So, what exactly is this payment for? Who can get it? And how do you apply? Let’s break it all down step by step in simple terms.

What Is the £749 Payment and Why Is It Given?

This £749 payment is not a new benefit. Instead, it’s an additional support payment offered to people already dealing with serious health challenges. It’s designed to ease financial pressure during tough times—especially for those who struggle to manage daily life on their own.

It is tied to the PIP benefit, which means only people who apply for and qualify for PIP can be considered for this one-off support.

While the payment itself is not guaranteed for everyone, if your condition seriously affects your daily living activities or mobility, you could be eligible.

Who Is This Payment For?

The DWP has identified 27 medical conditions that could qualify someone for extra help. These include a mix of long-term physical illnesses, respiratory conditions, chronic diseases, and occupational diseases.

Here are some examples of conditions included in the list:

Category	Examples of Conditions
Respiratory Conditions	Asthma, COPD, Pulmonary Fibrosis
Neurological Disorders	Epilepsy
Chronic/Infectious Illness	Sarcoidosis, Pneumonia
Occupational Diseases	Asbestosis, Silicosis
Organ Transplant-Related	Heart or Lung Transplant

But here’s the key thing:

Just having the condition isn’t enough. The DWP focuses on how much the condition affects your daily life. That means you’ll need to explain and show how the illness or disability impacts you personally—such as whether you struggle with everyday activities, mobility, or independence.

Understanding PIP and How It Works

Before you can get the £749 payment, you need to qualify for PIP (Personal Independence Payment). This benefit is designed to help people who:

• Have a long-term physical or mental health condition
• Struggle with daily living tasks (like dressing, cooking, washing, managing medication)
• Have trouble with mobility (like walking, using public transport, or climbing stairs)

PIP has two parts:

Component	Standard Rate	Enhanced Rate
Daily Living	£61.85	£110.40
Mobility	£24.45	£64.50

You can qualify for one or both components depending on your assessment. If your condition significantly affects both daily life and movement, you may get both enhanced components, and that’s when the extra £749 payment may be awarded.

How to Apply for PIP (and the £749 Payment)

Applying for PIP is a process, but don’t worry—it’s manageable if you follow each step. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Check if You Have a Relevant Condition

• Look at the list of 27 conditions shared by the DWP.
• Even if your exact condition isn’t listed, apply if your illness causes similar problems.

2. Collect Medical Evidence

• Get doctor’s letters, hospital records, prescriptions, diagnosis papers, or therapist notes.
• The more detailed your evidence, the better your chances of approval.

3. Start Your Application

• You can apply online at gov.uk/pip or by calling the PIP helpline.
• You’ll be sent a form to fill out with questions about how your condition affects your daily life.

4. Attend a PIP Assessment

• This is like an interview—either over the phone, online, or in-person.
• A health professional will talk to you about your daily struggles and decide how much support you need.

5. Wait for the Decision

• If approved, you’ll get a letter confirming your PIP award.
• If you qualify for both enhanced components, the DWP may issue the £749 extra payment, especially if your condition is severe.

Why Some People Got Paid Early in May

Some people may have received this money earlier than expected. Why? Because of the May Bank Holiday. When a benefit payment is due around a public holiday, the DWP often pays it a few days early. So, if your review date or payment date fell near May 26, you may have seen it land in your account as early as May 23.

Real-Life Example: Meet John

John is 63 years old and lives with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). He finds it hard to walk for long or climb stairs. Even doing the grocery shopping leaves him breathless.

After applying for PIP, submitting his medical documents, and attending an assessment, John was awarded enhanced rates for both daily living and mobility. As a result, he received his regular PIP payments and was also given the £749 one-time payment.

John used the money to:

• Buy a walker to help him move around his home
• Pay for transport to and from the hospital
• Get some extra home care a few hours a week

He says the payment “lifted a big burden” and made his daily life more manageable.

Other Help You Might Qualify For

If you qualify for PIP, you might also be able to get extra help through:

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – For children under 16 who have care or mobility needs.
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) – For adults who cannot work due to health conditions.
• Universal Credit (UC) – This can be topped up if you are on PIP.
• Council Tax Reduction – Many local councils offer discounts if you receive disability benefits.

Always check with your local council or Citizens Advice for extra support that might be available in your area.

Need Help Applying? You’re Not Alone

The application process might seem overwhelming at first, especially if you’re dealing with health challenges. Thankfully, help is available:

• Citizens Advice – They offer free, step-by-step help with benefit forms and appeals.
• Disability Rights UK – A national charity offering support and advice.
• Local Welfare Advisors – Found at community centres or through your local council, these advisors can help with paperwork and even attend assessments with you.

Conclusion

This £749 payment could make a real difference to your life. Whether it helps cover heating costs, food, medication, or mobility aids, it’s there to give you breathing room.

If you’re living with a long-term illness or disability, it’s worth checking if you qualify. Don’t wait—gather your paperwork, start your application, and get the support you deserve.

Your health might make daily life more challenging, but that doesn’t mean you have to face financial stress alone. The help is there. You just have to take the first step.

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