DWP New £518 ESA Payment In 2025: Check Eligibility & More Details

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has introduced a new £518 monthly Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) payment for individuals with specific health conditions that limit their ability to work.

If you have arthritis, epilepsy, mental health disorders, or cardiovascular diseases, you could be eligible for this financial support.

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This guide covers who qualifies, how to apply, and additional benefits you may receive alongside ESA.

Key Details About the £518 ESA Payment

What Is the DWP’s £518 ESA Payment?

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is a government benefit for individuals who cannot work due to long-term health conditions or disabilities.

The new scheme increases payments up to £518 per month, helping claimants with daily living costs, medical needs, and employment barriers.

Types of ESA

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ESA is available in two forms:

1. Contribution-Based ESA – Available to individuals who have paid National Insurance (NI) contributions.
2. Income-Related ESA – Available for those on a low income or with savings below £16,000.

23 Health Conditions That Qualify for the £518 ESA Payment

To be eligible, applicants must undergo a medical assessment to confirm their condition affects their ability to work.

1. Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Rheumatoid & Osteoarthritis
• Chronic Back Pain & Spinal Disorders

2. Neurological Conditions

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Epilepsy
• Motor Neurone Disease

3. Respiratory Conditions

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Severe Asthma
• Cystic Fibrosis

4. Mental Health Conditions

• Severe Depression & Anxiety Disorders
• Bipolar Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

5. Cardiovascular & Circulatory Disorders

• Heart Failure
• Stroke Aftereffects
• Hypertension with Organ Damage

6. Endocrine Disorders

• Uncontrolled Diabetes with Complications
• Severe Thyroid Disorders

7. Cancer & Autoimmune Diseases

• Certain Advanced-Stage Cancers
• Lupus & Other Severe Autoimmune Disorders

If your condition is not listed, you may still qualify under discretionary assessments based on medical evidence.

How to Apply for the DWP’s £518 ESA Payment

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Applying for ESA involves meeting eligibility criteria and providing medical evidence. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

• You must be 18 or older and below State Pension age.
• You must not be receiving Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

• Medical reports from your GP or specialist.
• National Insurance Number.
• Proof of income (for income-related ESA applicants).

Step 3: Apply for ESA

• Online: Visit the GOV.UK ESA application page.
• By Phone: Call the DWP ESA helpline at 0800 169 0310.
• In-Person: Visit your nearest Jobcentre Plus.

Step 4: Undergo a Work Capability Assessment (WCA)

• A medical review will determine your ability to work.
• This includes a questionnaire and possibly a face-to-face or telephone interview.
• If approved, you will start receiving ESA payments directly into your bank account.

Additional Benefits You Can Claim with ESA

If you qualify for ESA, you may also be eligible for other financial support:

For more details on additional benefits, visit GOV.UK.