Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed a major update for 2025 that could bring much-needed relief to thousands of households across the UK. From next year, eligible claimants living with certain long-term health conditions and disabilities may qualify for a new £200 weekly benefit payment.
This announcement comes as the cost of living remains a top concern for millions, particularly for people who are unable to work due to health issues. The payment is designed to provide extra financial support and help cover everyday essentials, medical costs, and rising bills.
Below, we break down everything you need to know about this benefit, including who qualifies, how to apply, and the full list of 22 health conditions that make you eligible.
What is the £200 Weekly Benefit?
The new benefit is essentially a targeted financial support package for individuals living with severe or long-term health conditions. According to the DWP, it is separate from Universal Credit or standard disability benefits, meaning it can be claimed in addition to other financial support.
The £200 weekly benefit will be paid directly into claimants’ bank accounts, amounting to roughly £10,400 per year. For many families, this could be a lifeline—particularly for those whose health conditions prevent them from working or earning a regular income.
Why Has the DWP Introduced This Payment?
Over recent years, the government has faced increasing pressure to provide more tailored support for disabled people and those living with chronic illnesses. Rising energy bills, healthcare expenses, and the general cost of living crisis have disproportionately affected these households.
The new benefit aims to:
- Provide stable income support for vulnerable individuals
- Reduce financial inequalities caused by health-related unemployment
- Ease pressure on NHS and social care services by giving people funds to manage their conditions better
- Improve quality of life and independence for those living with disabilities
Who Can Apply for the £200 Weekly Benefit?
Eligibility will depend on two main factors:
- Medical condition – Claimants must have a diagnosed health condition from the approved DWP list.
- Impact on daily living – The condition must significantly affect the person’s ability to work, move, or carry out everyday activities.
Applicants will need medical evidence from a GP, consultant, or specialist. The DWP may also request additional assessments before confirming eligibility.
How to Apply for the Benefit
The application process is expected to open in early 2025. Although the DWP has not released the final application form, it will likely follow the same process as other disability-related claims:
- Step 1: Contact the DWP to request an application form (online, phone, or post).
- Step 2: Fill out the form, providing personal details and medical history.
- Step 3: Attach medical evidence such as GP letters, hospital discharge notes, or prescription history.
- Step 4: Attend a medical assessment if required.
- Step 5: Await confirmation from the DWP, which usually takes a few weeks.
Claimants already receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) may find the process faster, as the DWP already holds much of their medical information.
Full List of 22 Health Conditions Eligible
The DWP has confirmed that the following 22 health conditions will qualify individuals for the new £200 weekly benefit in 2025:
- Cancer (advanced stages or undergoing treatment)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Motor neurone disease (MND)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Severe asthma (requiring regular hospital care)
- Heart failure and severe cardiovascular disease
- End-stage kidney disease
- Liver disease (advanced stages)
- Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease
- Epilepsy (uncontrolled or severe)
- Stroke survivors with long-term disabilities
- Cystic fibrosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Rheumatoid arthritis (severe cases)
- Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus – SLE)
- Severe Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
- Blindness or severe visual impairment
- Profound hearing loss or deafness
- Severe mental health conditions (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression)
- Learning disabilities (significant impact on independence)
- Spinal cord injuries leading to permanent disability
This list was compiled to reflect the most common and severe conditions that limit mobility, independence, and the ability to maintain employment.
How Much Will Claimants Really Receive?
The flat rate of £200 per week will not be means-tested. That means claimants can still receive other benefits or income alongside it.
For example:
- Someone receiving PIP (£184 per week, enhanced rate) could also claim the £200 weekly benefit, taking their total disability support to £384 per week.
- If they are also on Universal Credit, the payments could push their annual support above £20,000 per year.
This makes the scheme one of the most generous disability-related payments ever introduced by the DWP.
Will This Affect Other Benefits?
The DWP has stated that this new benefit will not count as income when calculating other means-tested benefits. This means it will not reduce entitlement to:
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit
- Child Benefit
It is designed to sit alongside existing support, offering an extra financial cushion rather than replacing other payments.
When Will Payments Start?
The first payments are expected to roll out in Spring 2025, with backdated support possible for those who apply early and are deemed eligible from January.
Payments will be issued weekly, but claimants may be able to request monthly payments if preferred, to help with budgeting.
What If Your Condition Is Not Listed?
If your health condition does not appear on the 22-condition list, you may still be able to apply in exceptional circumstances. The DWP has left some room for flexibility, meaning if a condition is equally severe and life-limiting, a claimant could be considered.
However, approval will be harder without a listed condition, and applicants will need strong medical evidence to demonstrate why they should qualify.
Impact on Families and Carers
The new payment is not only expected to benefit individuals, but also their families and carers. Extra financial support can help cover:
- Home adaptations (stairlifts, accessible bathrooms)
- Specialist medical equipment
- Transport costs to hospital or therapy appointments
- Respite care for family carers
For many households, the £200 weekly benefit could ease the constant financial pressure of managing a disability.
Public Reaction
The announcement has been met with cautious optimism. Disability charities such as Scope and the MS Society have welcomed the move but stressed the importance of clear communication and fast processing times to avoid delays.
Many campaigners have also warned that the £200 may still not be enough for some households facing extreme medical costs, but they agree it is a step in the right direction.
Final Thoughts
The £200 weekly benefit confirmed by the DWP for 2025 is a significant change in how the government supports people with long-term health conditions. With 22 eligible conditions already listed and more possible in future, thousands of households stand to gain financial stability.
For those affected, preparing early—by gathering medical evidence and keeping records up to date—will be key to a smooth application.
If you or someone you know lives with one of the listed conditions, this benefit could provide life-changing financial support.