If you receive a qualifying disability benefit in the United Kingdom, you may be eligible for a one off GBP 560 payment from the Department for Work and Pensions. The support is designed to help with rising living costs such as energy, transport for medical appointments, and essential household needs. In most cases you do not need to apply. Payments are automatic for people already on qualifying benefits and they do not reduce other benefits.
What The GBP 560 Payment Is
This is a single, additional support payment for people with disabilities. It is separate from regular awards such as Personal Independence Payment or Disability Living Allowance and is not part of your monthly or weekly benefit cycle. The payment is not means tested and does not count as income for other benefits. You keep your existing benefit and you receive the GBP 560 on top of it if you meet the conditions.
Why It Matters
Disabled households often face higher ongoing costs. Examples include heating for medical conditions, running medical devices, purchasing or repairing mobility aids, and frequent travel to clinics or therapies. A one off payment gives flexible help quickly without changing ongoing entitlements or requiring a complex reassessment.
Quick Summary
Item |
Details |
|---|---|
Payment name |
DWP Disability Cost of Living Payment |
Amount |
GBP 560 one off lump sum |
Who administers it |
Department for Work and Pensions |
Purpose |
Extra help with disability related costs of living |
Qualifying benefits |
PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance, and certain ESA or Income Support cases with a disability component |
Tax and benefit impact |
Tax free and does not affect other benefits |
How it is paid |
Into the same bank account used for your disability benefit |
Application needed |
Usually not required if you are already on a qualifying benefit |
Official guidance |
Who Qualifies
Eligibility is based on being entitled to a qualifying disability benefit on a specified reference date set by the government. In broad terms, you may qualify if you receive one of the following on that date:
- Personal Independence Payment
- Disability Living Allowance
- Attendance Allowance
- Certain types of Employment and Support Allowance or Income Support where disability conditions are met
If you were eligible for one of these benefits on the reference date, the DWP will usually identify you automatically and issue the payment to the bank account they already use for your disability benefit.
Key points to remember
- There is no reduction for household size or income. If you qualify, the amount is GBP 560.
- If you became newly entitled just after the reference date, you may fall into a later batch or you may need to contact DWP for advice.
- Your bank details must match DWP records for a smooth payment.
When Payments Are Made
Payments are processed in batches over a defined window. Not everyone will receive the money on the same day. The payment lands in the same account as your disability benefit. You do not need to call to chase it unless your payment window has clearly passed and you have confirmed that you met the qualifying conditions.
Good practice
- Check your payment history in your online benefit account or bank statement.
- Make sure your bank details and contact information are up to date.
- Keep your award letters in a safe place in case DWP requests confirmation.
Automatic Payments Versus Manual Action
Most people who qualify do not need to apply. The DWP uses its systems to match eligibility and make payments automatically. You may need to take action only if:
- You became entitled to a qualifying benefit very close to or shortly after the reference date.
- Your bank account changed and DWP records have not been updated.
- Your name, address, or contact details differ across records, which can delay matching.
If you believe you qualify but have not been paid after the stated window, contact DWP through the official channels on gov.uk or speak to Jobcentre Plus. Have your National Insurance number, recent award letter, and bank details ready.
How The Payment Can Be Used
There are no restrictions on spending. Common uses include:
- Paying higher energy and heating bills
- Purchasing or repairing assistive technology and mobility equipment
- Funding transport to medical appointments or therapies
- Covering urgent household costs that have increased due to disability needs
Because the payment is flexible and separate from ongoing awards, you can allocate it to the most pressing bills without affecting other entitlements.
Impact On Other Benefits and Tax
The GBP 560 payment is tax free. It does not count as income for other benefits such as Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit, or Council Tax Reduction. You do not need to report it as income to these benefit teams. Your existing disability benefit rates and award periods remain unchanged.
What To Do If You Did Not Receive It
- Confirm you are on a qualifying benefit such as PIP, DLA, Attendance Allowance, or qualifying ESA on the relevant reference date.
- Check your bank statement and the payment windows announced by the government. Processing is staggered.
- Verify your details with DWP if your bank account or contact information has changed.
- Contact DWP through the official helplines listed on gov.uk if you still believe you qualify and the window has passed.
In many cases delays are due to data mismatches rather than ineligibility.
Extra Help You Might Also Claim
- Regular disability benefits such as PIP, DLA, or Attendance Allowance if not already claimed
- Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit with a health element if you have limited capability for work
- Carer’s Allowance if someone provides regular care for you and meets the conditions
- Local authority support for adaptations, equipment, or discretionary housing payments
You can use the benefit calculators on gov.uk to check broader entitlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to apply for the GBP 560 payment
Usually no. If you receive a qualifying disability benefit on the reference date and your details are up to date, DWP pays you automatically.
2. Will the GBP 560 reduce my other benefits
No. It is tax free and does not affect other benefits or benefit calculations.
3. I started receiving a qualifying benefit recently. Will I still get the payment
If your entitlement fell after the reference date, you may fall into a later run or you may not qualify for this cycle. Check the guidance on gov.uk or contact DWP.
4. How will the payment be made
Into the same bank account used for your disability benefit. Ensure your bank details on record are correct.
5. What should I do if I believe I qualify but have not been paid
Confirm your eligibility and the payment window, then contact DWP via the official channels on gov.uk with your National Insurance number and recent award details.
Official site
https://www.gov.uk
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