If you are living with a long-term health problem or a physical disability, then there is a big relief news for you. The United Kingdom’s Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently announced a special lump sum payment scheme of £749, which is especially for those who are affected by certain 27 health conditions. But are you eligible for this? How to apply? And what things do you have to keep in mind? Let’s understand this in simple language.
What is this payment?
This assistance amount of £749 from DWP is not given directly to all disabled beneficiaries. This amount is related to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) scheme. The purpose of PIP is to help those who need help in daily life or in movement due to any physical or mental condition.
Which people have been selected as Chacha?
The DWP lists a total of 27 health conditions that could qualify for the £749 grant. These include respiratory, neurological, infectious and a number of chronic illnesses.
For example:
- Respiratory conditions: asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis
- Neurological conditions: epilepsy
- Infectious/chronic diseases: pneumonia, sarcoidosis
- Occupational diseases: asbestosis, silicosis
- Organ transplants: heart or lung transplants
Be aware, being on these lists doesn’t guarantee eligibility. The real criteria is how much your condition affects your daily life.
How is eligibility determined?
This amount of PIP is awarded based on two main factors:
- Daily living challenges: Do you have difficulty getting dressed, cooking or managing medicines?
- Mobility problems: Do you have trouble walking, getting out or getting on a bus?
Both of these points are checked by a health professional who assesses your ability to carry out everyday life activities.
How do you get paid?
The £749 amount is not a regular monthly payment, but a special amount on top of PIP.
PIP has two main components:
- Component
- Standard rate
- Enhanced rate
- Daily living
- £61.85
- £110.40
- Mobility
- £24.45
- £64.50
If your condition is found to be ‘enhanced rate’ in both components, you may be entitled to an additional £749.
How to apply?
- Check your situation: Is your condition one of the 27?
- Gather medical evidence: Have doctor’s reports, test results, treatment history etc. ready.
- Apply online: Visit the gov.uk/pip website and apply or send it by post.
- Attend an assessment: A health professional will meet with you by phone or face-to-face.
- Wait for a decision: If you’re found eligible, you’ll receive a letter with a payment date.
Did I get paid early?
Due to the May Bank Holiday, the DWP released the payment on 23 May instead of 26 May. So people who were due to be assessed or paid that week got their money early.
For those who are looking:
If you’re finding the form filling or assessment process difficult, don’t panic. There are a number of organisations to help you:
- Citizens Advice
- Disability Rights UK
- Local welfare office or charity
- These organisations can help you fill out forms, gather documents and attend assessments.
- Life example: John’s story
John has COPD. He can’t climb stairs or go to the market by himself. He applied for PIP, provided medical papers, and attended the assessment. He got the enhanced rate on both components plus an additional £749. With this money he employed a part-time care assistant at home and bought a walking assistive device.
Other financial schemes may also be eligible:
- DLA (Disability Living Allowance): for children under 16.
- ESA (Employment and Support Allowance): if you can’t work because of an illness.
- Universal Credit: This is income-based support, but can be extra helpful if you’re receiving PIP.
One last thing:
If you’re struggling with an illness that’s affecting your life, this £749 grant from the DWP could be a huge help. Don’t delay, get your documents together, apply and get the help you’re entitled to.
FAQs
1. What is the £749 payment from the DWP?
The £749 payment is a one-time financial support offered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to help individuals with specific long-term health conditions manage daily living expenses, medical needs, and other essentials.
2. Who is eligible for the £749 DWP payment?
You may be eligible if you are living with one of the 27 qualifying health conditions and are currently receiving certain disability-related benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance, or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
3. How will I receive the payment?
The payment is typically sent via direct deposit to the same bank account where you receive your regular benefit payments from DWP.
4. What should I do if I didn’t receive the payment but believe I qualify?
Contact the DWP helpline and provide your benefit reference number. You may be asked to submit additional medical or eligibility documents for review.
