Disability premiums

Overview

Disability premiums are extra amounts of money added to your:

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

Housing Benefit

Any money you get is added to your benefit payments automatically so you usually do not have to apply for a disability premium.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

There are 3 types of disability premium for adults:

disability premium

enhanced disability premium

severe disability premium

You can get more than one premium at a time.

What you'll get

You can get the disability premium (disability premium) on its (disability premium) own. You might get the severe or enhanced disability premium as well if you’re eligible for them.

If you get income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) you cannot get the disability premium (disability premium), but you may still qualify for the severe and enhanced premiums (the severe or enhanced disability premium).

Disability premium

You’ll get:

£35.10 a week for a single person

£50.05 a week for a couple

Severe disability premium

You’ll get:

£67.30 a week for a single person

£134.60 a week for a couple if you’re both eligible

Some couples will be eligible for the lower amount of £67.30 a week instead.

Enhanced disability premium

You’ll get:

£17.20 a week for a single person

£24.60 a week for a couple if at least one of you is eligible

How you’re paid

All benefits, pensions and allowances are paid into an account such as your bank account.

There is a limit on the total amount of benefit that most people aged 16 to under State Pension age can get. This is called a benefit cap.

Eligibility

Disability premium payments can be added to your:

Income Support

housing benefit

You usually need to be eligible for the disability premium (disability premium) to qualify for the severe or enhanced premiums (the severe or enhanced disability premium).

If you get income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) you can only get the severe or enhanced premium.

Use a benefits calculator to check your eligibility.

Disability premium

You or your partner must be under pension credit age and either registered blind or getting:

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)

Working Tax Credit with a disability element

Attendance Allowance

Constant Attendance Allowance

War Pensioners Mobility Supplement

Severe Disablement Allowance

Incapacity Benefit

If you do not qualify, you may still get the premium (disability premium) if you’ve been unable to work for at least a year.

Severe disability premium

You must get the disability premium or income-related ESA, and one of the following qualifying benefits:

PIP daily living component

AFIP

DLA care component at the middle or highest rate

Attendance Allowance (or Constant Attendance Allowance paid with Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit or War Pension)

You usually cannot have anyone aged 18 or over living with you, unless they’re in one of these situations:

they (anyone aged 18 or over) get a qualifying benefit

they (anyone aged 18 or over)’re registered blind

they (anyone aged 18 or over)’re a boarder or subtenant (but not a close relative)

they (anyone aged 18 or over) make separate payments to the landlord

You cannot get the severe disability premium if someone is getting Carer’s Allowance or the carers element of Universal Credit for looking after you.

If you’re in a couple

You’ll get the higher amount of severe disability premium if both you and your partner are eligible.

You can get the lower amount if:

someone gets Carers Allowance or the carers element of Universal Credit for looking after only one of you

only one of you meets the eligibility criteria and the other is registered blind

Enhanced disability premium

To get this, you must be under pension credit age.

You must get the disability premium or income-related ESA, and one of the following:

PIP daily living component at the higher (‘enhanced’) rate

AFIP

DLA care component at the highest rate

You’ll also get this if you’re in the support group for income-related ESA.

How to claim

You do not have to claim disability premium. If you’re eligible, it’s automatically added to your:

Income Support

Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

housing benefit

Contact your local Jobcentre Plus if it (disability premium) has not been paid.

If you disagree with a decision

You can challenge a decision about your claim. This is called asking for mandatory reconsideration.


Claiming benefits if you live, move or travel abroad

Overview

You may still be able to claim some benefits if you travel or move abroad, or if you’re already living abroad. What you’re entitled to depends on where you’re going and how long for.

Who to contact if you’re going abroad

Tell your local Jobcentre Plus or the office that pays your benefit if you’re going abroad. If it’s a temporary move, tell them when you’re coming back.

You must also tell HMRC if you’re leaving the UK.

Claiming when abroad

If you’re going to (or are already living in) a European Economic Area (EEA) country or a country with a special agreement with the UK, you may be able to claim:

UK-based benefits

benefits provided by the country you’re going to (a European Economic Area (EEA) country)

You can also claim your State Pension abroad.

Claiming benefits in an EEA country or Switzerland

If you’re living in or planning to go to an EEA country or Switzerland you may be able to get some UK (the UK) benefits.

Find out if you can get benefits in the EEA or Switzerland.

When you get your payment

The date you get your payment depends on which benefit you claim.

If you live abroad and your payment is due in the same week as a US bank holiday, it could arrive one day late. This is because a US company processes these payments.

Benefit fraud

You’re committing benefit fraud if you:

do not tell the office that pays your benefit you’re going abroad, even if it’s just for a visit

deliberately do not report a change in your circumstances while abroad, like buying a property, working, or claiming a pension or benefit from another country

are dishonest in order to get benefits, like continuing to claim the pension or benefit of someone who has died overseas

Where you can claim benefits

European Economic Area (EEA) countries

Other countries with UK (the UK) benefits arrangements

The following countries have social security agreements with the UK:

Barbados

Bermuda

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Canada

Channel Islands

Gibraltar

Israel

Jamaica

Kosovo

Mauritius

Montenegro

New Zealand

North Macedonia

the Philippines

Serbia

Turkey

USA

You may be able to claim certain benefits in these countries (European Economic Area (EEA) countries) but it will depend on the particular country.

Jobseeker's Allowance

There are 3 different types of Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA):

‘new style’ JSA

contribution-based JSA

income-based JSA

You cannot get income-based JSA abroad.

You may get ‘new style’ JSA or contribution-based JSA in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for up to 3 months if you:

are entitled to it (‘new style’ JSA or contribution-based JSA) on the day you go abroad

register as a jobseeker at least 4 weeks before you leave

are looking for work in the UK up to the day you leave

are going abroad to look for work

register at the equivalent of a Jobcentre in the country you’re going to

follow the other country’s rules on registering and looking for work

are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement

Find out if you can get JSA in the EEA (the European Economic Area (EEA)) or Switzerland.

Moving to a country not in the EEA (the European Economic Area (EEA))

Some countries outside the EEA (the European Economic Area (EEA)) have social security agreements with the UK. This means that if you’ve paid enough National Insurance contributions in the UK, you may be able to get unemployment benefits in:

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Channel Islands

Kosovo

Macedonia

Montenegro

New Zealand

Serbia

Help and advice on JSA

Maternity and childcare benefits

Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)

If you work for a UK employer in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you may  get SMP (Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)) as long as you’re eligible.

Find out if you can get Statutory Maternity Pay (Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)) in the EEA or Switzerland (the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland).

If you work in a different country, you can still get SMP (Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)) as long as your employer pays UK National Insurance contributions for you.

Talk to your employer about claiming SMP (Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)).

Maternity Allowance

If you cannot get SMP (Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)), you might be eligible for Maternity Allowance.

If you’re eligible, you may get Maternity Allowance in an EEA (the European Economic Area (EEA)) country or Switzerland.

Find out if you can get Maternity Allowance in the EEA or Switzerland (the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland).

You may also be able to claim it (Maternity Allowance) in:

Barbados

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Channel Islands

Gibraltar

Israel

Kosovo

Macedonia

Montenegro

Serbia

Turkey

Ask your local Jobcentre Plus for more information.

Child-related benefits

You may also get the following in an EEA (the European Economic Area (EEA)) country or Switzerland if you’re eligible:

Child Benefit

tax credits

Guardian’s Allowance (you can claim this if you’re getting Child Benefit for a child whose parents have both died)

Illness and injury benefits

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

You can get SSP (Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)) if you’re eligible and either of the following apply:

you work outside the EEA (the European Economic Area (EEA)) and your employer pays National Insurance contributions for you

Contact your employer to claim SSP (Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)).

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

You can get ESA (Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)) for up to 4 weeks if you go abroad. Talk to your local Jobcentre Plus before you go.

Going abroad for more than 4 weeks but less than a year

Tell your local Jobcentre Plus if you’re going abroad for more than 4 weeks.

You can carry on getting contribution-based ESA for up to 26 weeks if you’re going abroad for medical treatment for yourself or your child.

It does not matter which country you go to.

Going abroad for more than a year

You may get contribution-based ESA in the EEA or Switzerland if you:

are eligible

have paid enough National Insurance contributions

are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement

Find out if you can get contribution-based ESA (Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)) in the EEA or Switzerland.

Help and advice on ESA (Employment and Support Allowance (ESA))

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)

If you’re getting Industrial Injuries Benefit for work-related accidents and illnesses, you can still get this abroad.

Contact the office dealing with your benefit if you’re still in the UK (UK), or the International Pension Centre if you’re living abroad.

Help and advice on IIDB

Benefits for carers and people with disabilities

What you can claim depends on:

which benefit you’re claiming

where you’re going and for how long

Going abroad temporarily

You can claim the following benefits if you’re going abroad for up to 13 weeks (or 26 weeks if it’s for medical treatment):

Attendance Allowance

Disability Living Allowance

Personal Independence Payment

You can carry on claiming Carer’s Allowance if you take up to 4 weeks holiday out of a 26-week period.

Tell the office that deals with your benefit that you’ll be away.

Going abroad permanently to an EEA country or Switzerland

You or a family member may be able to claim benefits if you:

work in the UK (UK) or pay National Insurance in the UK (UK) because of work

have paid enough National Insurance to qualify for contribution-based benefits

are getting State Pension, Industrial Injuries Benefit, contribution-based ESA or bereavement benefits

are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement

If you’re eligible then you may be able to claim:

Disability Living Allowance care component

Personal Independence Payment living component

Attendance Allowance or Carer’s Allowance

You cannot claim Disability Living Allowance mobility component and Personal Independence Payment mobility component abroad.

Find out if you can get benefits in an EEA country or Switzerland.

If you already live in an EEA country or Switzerland

You do not need to have claimed in the UK (UK) before you moved. But you must:

be habitually resident in the EEA country or Switzerland (an EEA country or Switzerland)

have a genuine link with the UK social security system, for example you’ve lived or worked in the UK (UK)

be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement

Make a claim or change your details

To make a claim or change any personal details, such as your address or bank account, write to the Exportability Team that deals with the benefit you are claiming.

If you’re making a claim, your letter should say:

what benefits you want to claim

where you live

Attendance Allowance Exportability Team

Disability Living Allowance Exportability Team

Personal Independence Payment 7 Exportability Team

Carer’s Allowance

You can claim Carer’s Allowance or report a change of circumstances online.

You can also write to the Carers Allowance Exportability Team.

Help and advice

Contact the Disability Benefits Exportability Team (Exportability Team) about Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance and Personal Independence Payment.

If you have a general enquiry about Carer’s Allowance, contact the Carer’s Allowance Unit.

If you’re a British Sign Language (BSL) user, you can use the video relay service. It’s available Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm - check you can use the service.

Winter Fuel Payments

You may be able to claim a Winter Fuel Payment if all of the following apply:

you were born on or before 5 October 1954

you live in Switzerland or a European Economic Area (EEA) country (except for Cyprus, France, Gibraltar, Greece, Malta, Portugal or Spain)

you have a genuine and sufficient link to the UK - this can include having lived or worked in the UK, and having family in the UK

you’re covered by the Withdrawal Agreement

You do not need to have claimed Winter Fuel Payments in the UK before you go abroad.

Find out if you can get Winter Fuel Payments in an EEA country or Switzerland.

Bereavement benefits

If you’re already getting a bereavement benefit when you move abroad, you’ll still get it - it does not matter where you move to.

You may be able to make a new claim if you live in certain countries outside the UK.

European Economic Area (EEA) countries, Switzerland and Gibraltar

If you live in an EEA country, Switzerland or Gibraltar, and you’re eligible, you may be able to claim the following:

Bereavement Support Payment

Widowed Parent’s Allowance

Find out if you can get bereavement benefits in an EEA country or Switzerland.

Countries outside the EEA (EEA)

You may also be able to claim bereavement benefits in some countries outside the EEA (EEA).

Bereavement Support Payment:

Barbados

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Channel Islands

Israel

Jamaica

Kosovo

Macedonia

Montenegro

New Zealand

the Philippines

Serbia

Turkey

USA

Widowed Parent’s Allowance:

Barbados

Bermuda

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Channel Islands

Israel

Jamaica

Kosovo

Macedonia

Mauritius

Montenegro

New Zealand

the Philippines

Serbia

Turkey

USA

The rate and eligibility criteria may vary between countries.

Help and advice on bereavement benefits


Appeal a benefit decision

Overview

You can appeal a decision about your entitlement to benefits, for example Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Universal Credit.

There’s a different process if you live in Northern Ireland.

Appeals are decided by the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal. The tribunal is impartial and independent of government. The tribunal will listen to both sides before making a decision.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

How to appeal

Before you appeal you must usually ask for the decision about your benefits to be looked at again - this is called ‘mandatory reconsideration’.

If you do not need to do this (ask), your decision letter will say that you can appeal straight away. The letter will explain why you do not need a mandatory reconsideration - include this when you submit your appeal.

Appeal to the tribunal (the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal) within one month of getting your mandatory reconsideration decision. If you start your appeal after a month you’ll have to explain why you did not do it (your appeal) earlier. Your appeal might not be accepted.

After you submit your appeal, you can provide evidence to the tribunal (the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal). Your appeal will be decided at a tribunal hearing.

Benefit decisions you can appeal

You can appeal a decision about:

30 hours free childcare scheme

Attendance Allowance

Bereavement Support Payment

Budgeting Loans

Carer’s Allowance

Child Benefit

Cold Weather Payment

Compensation Recovery Unit

Contracted Out Employment Group

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Disability Working Allowance

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Funeral Expenses Payment

Health in Pregnancy Grant

Home Responsibilities Protection

Housing Benefit

Incapacity Benefit

Income Support

Industrial Death Benefit

Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

Jobseeker’s Allowance

Maternity Allowance

Pension Credit

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Retirement Pension

Severe Disablement Allowance

Sure Start Maternity Grant

Tax credits

Tax-Free Childcare

Universal Credit

Widowed Parent’s Allowance

Winter Fuel Payment

Check any letters you’ve received about your benefit if you do not know the exact name.

Submit your appeal

You can appeal a decision about your entitlement to benefits, for example Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit.

You must ask for the decision about your benefits to be looked at again before you can appeal, unless your decision letter says you do not need a ‘mandatory reconsideration’.

You’ll need:

your National Insurance number

the details of the representative helping with your appeal (if you’re using one)

your mandatory reconsideration notice  - you get this after you ask for the benefit decision (the decision about your benefits) to be looked at again

If you do not need a mandatory reconsideration your decision letter will say why. Include this explanation when you submit your appeal.

You’ll need to choose whether you want to go to the tribunal hearing to explain your appeal in person. If you do not attend, your appeal will be decided on your appeal form and any supporting evidence you provide.

Start now

You can only access the service’s web chat if you’re using Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Safari. You can access everything else in the service using any browser.

Continue with an existing appeal

Sign in to continue with your saved benefit appeal application.

Appealing by post

Use form SSCS1 to appeal a Universal Credit, ESA or PIP decision by post.

Help with your appeal

You can appoint someone as a ‘representative’ to help you with your appeal. A representative can:

help you submit your appeal or prepare your evidence

act on your behalf

give you advice

Anyone can be a representative, including friends and family.

You might also be able to find a representative through a library or from an organisation in your area that gives advice on claiming benefits, such as Citizens Advice.

Your representative will have permission to act on your behalf, for example to respond to letters. They’ll be sent all the information about your appeal, including any medical evidence.

To register a representative, you can either:

name your representative when you submit your appeal

register a representative at any point after you submit your appeal

Write to HMCTS Benefit Appeals to register a representative after you submit your appeal.

Contact the benefit appeals helpline if you need more help submitting an appeal.

After you submit your appeal

Your appeal will be sent to the department that made the decision about your entitlement to benefits. They’ll respond to your appeal explaining why they made the decision.

You’ll get a copy of the response (respond).

Providing evidence

You can provide evidence to help the tribunal understand your condition or circumstances so they can make a decision. Evidence can include a letter from a doctor or someone who knows you.

You’ll be told where to send your evidence after you submit your appeal. Send it as soon as you can so the tribunal have time to read it before the hearing.

The hearing

Your appeal is decided at a tribunal hearing (the hearing).

You’ll get the decision (the decision about your entitlement to benefits) by post after the hearing. You may get a decision on the day if you go to the hearing.

How long it takes

It usually takes up to 6 months for an appeal to be heard by the tribunal.

Your appeal might be delayed unless you:

send any evidence as soon as you can before the hearing

arrive at the hearing on time (if you’re attending)

register your representative as soon as you can (if you’re using one)

What happens at the hearing

Submit any evidence as soon as possible before the hearing so the tribunal have time to read it. Evidence will usually be shared with all parties, including your representative (if you’re using one).

A judge and one or two experts will make a decision about the case. Who the experts are depends on what benefit you’re appealing. The judge and experts are impartial and independent of government.

The tribunal must follow the rules in the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Social Entitlement Chamber) Rules 2008.

If you attend the hearing

You’ll have to the opportunity to explain your appeal.

You’ll be asked questions about your condition or circumstances by the judge (A judge) or the experts (one or two experts).

The department that made the original decision may also be at the hearing. They may ask questions, but they’re not part of the tribunal and do not decide the result of the appeal (your appeal).

You can get support during the hearing, for example an interpreter, hearing loop or accessible tribunal room. You can request support when you make an appeal.

You cannot use your own interpreter during the hearing.

Claiming expenses

You may be able to claim for reasonable expenses for going to the tribunal, for example:

travel expenses to cover your fare if you get there using public transport

travel expenses of 12p per mile if you drive, plus 2p per mile for up to 2 passengers

meals - £4.25 if you’re away for more than 5 hours, £9.30 for more than 10 hours or £13.55 for more than 12 hours

loss of earnings - £38.96 if you’re away from work for up to 4 hours or £75.59 for 4 hours or more

care expenses up to the National Minimum Wage, for example for a childminder

The clerk will help you fill in a claim form when you go to the hearing.

You’ll need to include proof, for example:

receipts

a letter from your employer for loss of earnings

If you're unhappy with the tribunal's (the tribunal) decision

You may be able to:

get a decision cancelled (‘set aside’)

Your decision letter has more information.

Get a decision set aside

You’ll be told how to get a decision ‘set aside’ (cancelled) if you think there’s been a mistake in the process. Contact Citizens Advice if you need help.

Appeal to the Upper Tribunal Administrative Appeals Chamber (the Upper Tribunal)

You can only appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber) (the Upper Tribunal) if you think the decision (a decision) was wrong for a legal reason, for example, if the tribunal did not:

give proper reasons for its (the tribunal) decision (the tribunal's (the tribunal) decision), or back up the decision (a decision) with facts

apply the law properly

You may be able to get legal aid when you appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber) (the Upper Tribunal) - this can help pay for legal advice.

Contact Citizens Advice if you need help.

You must then follow 3 steps.

Ask the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal for full written reasons (known as a ‘statement of reasons’) within one month of the date of the decision. The decision letter will tell you how to do this.

Ask the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal for permission to appeal to the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber) (the Upper Tribunal).

If the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal refuses, ask the Upper Tribunal (Administrative Appeals Chamber) (the Upper Tribunal) for permission to appeal.


Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)

How it works

You can apply for ‘new style’ Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) to help you when you’re looking for work.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

You cannot apply for contribution-based or income-based JSA anymore. If you’re currently getting contribution-based or income-based JSA, you’ll keep getting payments while you’re eligible until your claim ends.

What you need to do

Check you’re eligible.

Make a claim for ‘new style’ JSA (‘new style’ Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)) and attend a phone interview with your local Jobcentre Plus office.

Keep to your agreement to look for work. This agreement is called a ‘Claimant Commitment’ and you will create it at your phone interview.

Your JSA (‘new style’ Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)) payments will be stopped if you do not keep to your agreement to look for work and cannot give a good reason.

Check if you’re eligible for Universal Credit. If you are, you could get Universal Credit at the same time or instead of ‘new style’ JSA (‘new style’ Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)).

What you’ll get

There’s a maximum amount you can get - but how much you’re entitled to depends on your age.

Use a benefits calculator to check how much JSA (‘new style’ Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)) you can get, and how your other benefits will be affected.

Age | JSA (‘new style’ Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)) weekly amount

Up to 24 | up to £59.20

25 or over | up to £74.70

How you’re paid

Your first payment will usually be within 7 days of your phone interview. It may not be the usual full amount.

After that (Your first payment), payments are usually made every 2 weeks and they will be the full amount.

All benefits, pensions and allowances are usually paid into your bank, building society or credit union account.

If you’re moving to Universal Credit from income-based JSA

If your income-based JSA claim is ending because you’re making a new claim for Universal Credit, you’ll automatically continue to get the amount of JSA you currently receive, as long as you’re still eligible. You’ll normally get this for 2 weeks, starting from the date of your new claim.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will write to you telling you how this works.

You do not need to pay this money (the amount of JSA you currently receive) back, and it will not affect the amount of Universal Credit you get.

Eligibility

To be eligible for ‘new style’ Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) you’ll need to have both:

worked as an employee

paid Class 1 National Insurance contributions, usually in the last 2 to 3 years (National Insurance credits can also count)

You will not be eligible if you were self-employed and only paid Class 2 National Insurance contributions, unless you were working as a share fisherman or a volunteer development worker.

You’ll also need to:

be 18 or over (there are some exceptions if you’re 16 or 17 - contact Jobcentre Plus for advice)

be under the State Pension age

not be in full-time education

be available for work

not be working at the moment, or be working less than 16 hours per week on average

not have an illness or disability which stops you from working

live in England, Scotland or Wales

have the right to work in the UK

While you receive JSA (‘new style’ Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)), you’ll need to take reasonable steps to look for work as agreed with your work coach. You must still follow the guidance on working safely during coronavirus.

Your savings and your partner’s income and savings will not affect your claim.

You can get ‘new style’ JSA for up to 182 days (about 6 months). After this you can talk to your work coach about your options.

Check if you’re eligible for Universal Credit. If you are, you could get Universal Credit at the same time or instead of ‘new style’ JSA.

If you cannot work because of coronavirus (COVID-19)

You can claim JSA (‘new style’ Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)) if you cannot work but you’re still getting paid by your employer (‘on furlough’) or through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

Both of the following must also apply:

you usually work less than 16 hours a week

you meet the other eligibility requirements for JSA (‘new style’ Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA))

Apply for 'new style' JSA (‘new style’ JSA)

Before you apply for ‘new style’ Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), check if you’re eligible.

There is a different process in Northern Ireland.

To apply, you’ll need your:

National Insurance number

bank or building society account details (or those of a family member or trusted friend)

employment details for the past 6 months, including employer contact details and dates you worked with them

private pension statement letter

To reclaim you need to apply again, even if your details have not changed.

Backdating your claim

When you apply, you can ask for your claim to be backdated by up to 3 months if you were not able to claim sooner.

If you want to backdate your claim, you’ll need:

the date you want your claim to start from

the reason your claim was delayed

Your claim may not be backdated if you do not have a good reason for the delay in making your claim. Reasons for backdating your claim could include:

you had a family bereavement - a partner, parent, child, brother or sister died

you were given the wrong advice that you could not get JSA (‘new style’ Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA))

Apply online

You cannot apply online if you’re under 18.

Apply for new style JSA

If you cannot apply online

If you need help applying or you’re aged 16 to 17, contact Jobcentre Plus.

After you make your claim

If you applied online, you’ll get a text to confirm that your application has been submitted.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will then contact you within 10 days of applying.

You do not need to contact DWP (The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)) unless it has been more than 10 days since you applied and you haven’t heard anything.

If you’re eligible

DWP (The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)) will contact you within 10 days to schedule a phone interview that you must attend. It will normally be with a work coach from your local Jobcentre Plus office.

At the interview (a phone interview that you must attend), you’ll be asked some questions to confirm your identity and then you’ll make an agreement about what steps you’ll take to look for work. This agreement is called a ‘Claimant Commitment’.

If you need support during the appointment (a phone interview that you must attend), you can have another person with you.

Contact Jobcentre Plus before your appointment if you:

need a foreign language interpreter, and do not have someone who can help with interpretation

have a disability or health condition, for example a hearing impairment which means you cannot attend a phone interview

If you’re not eligible

DWP (The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)) will send you a letter within 10 days to explain why you are not eligible for JSA (‘new style’ Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)).

If you disagree with a decision

You can challenge a decision about your claim. This is called asking for mandatory reconsideration.

Make a complaint

You can complain about Jobcentre Plus if you’re unhappy with the service you’ve received.

Your JSA (‘new style’ Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)) claim

When you apply to claim JSA (‘new style’ Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)), your work coach will make an agreement with you to look for work. This agreement is called a ‘Claimant Commitment’.

Your Claimant Commitment (an agreement with you to look for work) could include:

what you need to do to look for work - for example registering with recruitment agencies or writing a CV

how many hours you need to spend looking for work each week

You should continue to do all the things you have agreed to do if you can do them safely. You must still follow the guidance on working safely during coronavirus.

You can search and apply for work using the ‘Find a job’ service.

Attending regular appointments

Your work coach will arrange appointments with you every 1 to 2 weeks.

At these appointments (appointments with you every 1 to 2 weeks), you must show your work coach what you’ve been doing to look for work, for example proof of job applications and interviews.

If you’re a victim of domestic abuse you might be able to get a break of up to 13 weeks from job seeking - speak to your work coach if you need this support.

When payment can be stopped

Your JSA payments can be stopped for a period if you do not do something your work coach asks you to do. This is called being ‘sanctioned’. For example, if you:

do not take part in an appointment with your work coach

do not accept or keep to your agreement to look for work

turn down a job or training course

do not apply for any jobs you’re told about

do not take part in any interviews you’re invited to

do not go to any training booked for you or take part in employment schemes

leave your last job or training without good reason or because of your behaviour

Contact Jobcentre Plus as soon as possible if any of these apply to you. You may be able to keep your payment if you have good reason.

You’ll be told how long your payment will be stopped for. It could be between 4 weeks and 26 weeks (about 6 months).

If you want to know how long your JSA payment could be stopped for, read part 3 of the guidance on JSA sanctions.

If your JSA payment is stopped

If your payment is stopped, you should keep looking for work. Your benefit payment could be stopped for longer if you do not.

If you disagree with the decision to stop payment, you can ask for the decision to be looked at again - this is called ‘mandatory reconsideration’.

If you disagree with the outcome of the mandatory reconsideration (ask), you can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal.

You should continue with any JSA claim until the dispute is settled.

If you claim Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction

You should contact your local council immediately. They (Jobcentre Plus)’ll tell you what to do to continue getting support.

If your claim is ended

Your JSA claim (your claim) may be ended if you’re not available for or actively seeking work. You can apply again straight away, but your payments will be stopped for a period of either:

4 weeks if it’s the first time your claim has been ended

13 weeks if a previous claim has been ended within the past year

Hardship payments

You may be able to get a hardship payment if your JSA payments (your payments) have been stopped. You do not have to pay it back.

A hardship payment is a reduced amount (usually 60%) of your JSA.

Eligibility

You can get a hardship payment if you cannot pay for rent, heating, food or other basic needs for you or your child.

You must be 18 or over.

You’ll have to show that you’ve tried to find the money from somewhere else, such as borrowing from a friend or working extra hours.

How to claim

Speak to your Jobcentre Plus adviser or work coach to find out how to claim a hardship payment.

If you’re getting contribution-based or income-based JSA

As long as you’re still eligible, you’ll keep getting contribution-based or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) until either:

your circumstances change

your claim for contribution-based JSA ends (you can get it for up to 182 days)

Jobcentre Plus will talk to you about your options. If you’re eligible you might be able to claim Universal Credit.

You need to take reasonable steps to look for work while getting JSA. You must still follow the guidance on working safely during coronavirus.

Working hours and income

If you start working more than 16 hours a week, you might stop being eligible for JSA.

You might stop being eligible for income-based JSA if:

your partner starts working 24 hours or more a week, or increases their hours to 16 hours or more a week

your savings increase to £16,000 or more (including your partner’s savings)

You cannot apply for contribution-based or income-based JSA anymore. Instead, check if you’re eligible for Universal Credit and ‘new style’ JSA. You could get both at the same time.

Report a change of circumstances

You must tell Jobcentre Plus if your circumstances change, for example you start working or your income changes. This might affect how much you get.

Volunteering will not normally affect your JSA but you should report it before you start.

Your claim might be stopped or reduced if you do not report a change straight away.

A change of circumstance can include:

starting or stopping work, education, training or an apprenticeship

changes to your or your partner’s income or working hours

moving house

changing your name

people moving into or out of the place you live (for example your partner or a child)

changes to the benefits you or anyone else in your house gets

changes to your pension, savings, investments or property

changes to other money you get (for example student loans or grants, sick pay or money you get from a charity)

changing your doctor

any changes to your medical condition or disability

going into hospital or a care home or sheltered accommodation

going abroad for any length of time

changes to your immigration status, if you’re not a British citizen

You must tell Jobcentre Plus if you cannot work but you’re still getting paid by your employer (‘on furlough’) or you’ve been given a grant through the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

Call the JSA helpline if you’re not sure whether you need to report a change.

You may be prosecuted or have to pay a £50 penalty if you give wrong or incomplete information, or do not report changes straight away.

How to report

You can report a change of circumstances by:

calling the JSA helpline

writing to the Jobcentre Plus office that pays your JSA - the address is on the letters you get about your JSA

If you’re claiming Universal Credit as well as new style JSA, you must report changes to both services.

If you’ve been paid too much

If you do not report a change straight away or give wrong or incomplete information, you might be paid too much. If you are, you might have to pay some of the money back.


Get support in work if you have a disability or health condition (Access to Work)

Overview

If you’re disabled or have a physical or mental health condition that makes it hard for you to do your job, you can:

talk to your employer about changes they must make in your workplace

get extra help from Access to Work, including mental health support

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Talk to your employer about changes they (your employer) must make in your workplace

Your employer must make certain changes (known as ‘reasonable adjustments’) to make sure you’re not substantially disadvantaged when doing your job. These could include changing your working hours or providing equipment to help you do your job.

You should talk to your employer about reasonable adjustments before you apply for Access to Work.

Get help from Access to Work

If the help you need at work is not covered by your employer making reasonable adjustments, you may be able to get help from Access to Work.

You need to have a paid job, or be about to start or return to one.

You’ll be offered support based on your needs, which may include a grant to help cover the costs of practical support in the workplace. Your workplace can include your home if you work from there some or all of the time.

An Access to Work grant can pay for:

special equipment, adaptations or support worker services to help you do things like answer the phone or go to meetings

help getting to and from work

You might not get a grant if you already get certain benefits.

The money does not have to be paid back and will not affect your other benefits.

There’s a different system in Northern Ireland.

Get mental health support

You can apply for Access to Work to get mental health support, or contact a Mental Health Support Service provider directly.

Eligibility

To get help from Access to Work you must:

have a disability or health condition (physical or mental) that makes it hard for you to do parts of your job or get to and from work

be 16 or over

live in England, Scotland or Wales - there’s a different system in Northern Ireland

You also need to have a paid job, or be about to start or return to one. A paid job could include:

self-employment

an apprenticeship

a work trial or work experience

an internship

You cannot get a grant for voluntary work.

Your job (a paid job) must be based in England, Scotland or Wales.

You cannot get Access to Work if you live in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.

If you get other benefits

Certain benefits may affect whether you can get an Access to Work grant.

Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income Support

You can still get help from Access to Work if you work more than one hour a week.

Employment and Support Allowance

You can only get help from Access to Work if you’re doing ‘permitted work’. It’s permitted work if all of the following apply:

you earn up to £143 a week

you work less than 16 hours a week

it’s been agreed with your work coach

What you'll get

You’ll be offered support based on your needs. This may include a grant to help cover the costs of travel to and from work or practical support in the workplace. Your workplace can include your home if you work from there some or all of the time.

The grant (an Access to Work grant) can help pay for items or services you need, including:

adaptations to the equipment you use

special equipment or software

British Sign Language interpreters and video relay service support, lip speakers or note takers

adaptations to your vehicle so you can get to work

taxi fares to work or a support worker if you cannot use public transport - for example, if you use a wheelchair and your journey includes a train station that does not have ramps

taxi fares to work or a support worker if you cannot use public transport safely because of coronavirus (COVID-19) - for example, if you’re blind and because of this you’re unable to stay apart from other people

a support worker or job coach to help you in your workplace

personal protective equipment for your support worker, if you employ them yourself

disability awareness training for your colleagues

the cost of moving your equipment if you change location or job

Access to Work can also help assess whether your needs can be met through reasonable adjustments by your employer.

Mental health support

You can get confidential support and advice from a trained healthcare professional from the Mental Health Support Service. You do not need to have a diagnosed condition to use the service.

You do not have to get Access to Work to get support from the Mental Health Support Service, but you must be eligible.

To get mental health support you can apply for Access to Work. You can also contact one of the Mental Health Support Service providers directly. They are:

Able Futures

Remploy

How your Access to Work grant is paid

You or your employer will buy the items or services you need.

Access to Work will pay the money back, up to the amount of the grant you’ve been offered (your Access to Work grant) and with any contributions (such as employer or NHS contributions) deducted.

What Access to Work will not cover

You will not get an Access to Work grant to pay for:

changes that your employer has to make (reasonable adjustments)

items that would normally be needed to do the job whether a person is disabled or not

support that your employer used to provide but has stopped

Apply

Check you’re eligible before you apply.

You can apply for Access to Work online or by phone.

You’ll need to provide:

your workplace address and postcode

the name of a workplace contact who can authorise your Access to Work payments

your workplace contact’s email address or work phone number

your unique tax reference number (if you’re self-employed)

You’ll also need to explain:

how your condition affects you at work or getting to work

what help you’re already getting

what else could help you

It will help your application if you’ve spoken to your employer about reasonable adjustments before you apply for Access to Work.

Apply online

Apply by phone

You can apply by calling the Access to Work helpline. Make sure you have all the necessary details with you when you call.

British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service

To use this (British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service) you must:

first check you can use the service (British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service)

go to the video relay service (British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service)

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Alternative formats

Call the Access to Work number (the Access to Work helpline) to ask for alternative formats, such as braille, large print or audio CD.

Complaints

You can contact Access to Work (the Access to Work helpline) to complain if you are not happy with how your case has been handled.

After you've applied

Once you’ve applied, an Access to Work adviser will contact you to discuss what help you could get.

An adviser may also contact your employer to discuss how Access to Work can support you. They will not contact your employer until they’ve agreed this with you first.

An assessor may visit your workplace to assess your needs.

You may get an offer of support, which could include a grant. If it does, you’ll be told how much you’ll get and for how long.

Renew

If your Access to Work grant is ending soon, you need to apply to renew it. You can apply up to 12 weeks before the date it ends.

Check you’re still eligible before you apply.

You can apply online or by phone.

You’ll need to provide your:

name

address

date of birth

unique reference number (if you know it)

After you apply, an Access to Work adviser will contact you. They may request further information about your condition.

They (an Access to Work adviser)’ll also contact your employer.

If you’re offered a new grant, you’ll be told how much you’ll get and for how long.

Renew online

Renew by phone

British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Alternative formats

Complaints

You can contact Access to Work to complain if you are not happy with how your case has been handled.

Report a change of circumstances

If you’re getting support from Access to Work you need to report changes to:

your disability or health condition (physical or mental)

your home or work address - if you get travel to work support

your employer, job role or working pattern

You’ll also need to tell Access to Work if your contact details change. For example, if you get a new phone number.

To report a change call the Access to Work helpline.

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm


Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

Overview

You can get £96.35 per week Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you’re too ill to work. It’s paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

You must be eligible for SSP (Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)).

You cannot get less than the statutory amount (£96.35 per week). You can get more if your company has a sick pay scheme (or ‘occupational scheme’) - check your employment contract.

There are different sick pay rules for agricultural workers.

There’s a separate guide on Statutory Sick Pay if you’re an employer.

If you cannot work because of coronavirus (COVID-19)

You could get SSP if you’re self-isolating because:

you or someone you live with has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19

you’ve been notified by the NHS or public health authorities that you’ve been in contact with someone with COVID-19 (coronavirus (COVID-19))

someone in your support bubble (or your ‘extended household’ if you live in Scotland or Wales) has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19

you’ve been advised by a doctor or healthcare professional to self-isolate before going into hospital for surgery

You could get SSP for every day you’re off work.

You cannot get SSP if you’re self-isolating after entering or returning to the UK and do not need to self-isolate for any other reason.

If your illness is not related to COVID-19

If your illness is not related to COVID-19, you can get SSP from the fourth day you are off work sick.

What you'll get

You can get £96.35 a week Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) (Statutory Sick Pay) for up to 28 weeks.

If you’re off work because of coronavirus (COVID-19)

How many days you can get SSP for depends on why you’re off work.

If you’re self-isolating because you or someone you live with has symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19

You must self-isolate for at least 4 days to be eligible for SSP.

You can get SSP for every day you were self-isolating if you started on or after 13 March.

If you started self-isolating before 13 March, you can get SSP from:

the fourth day you were sick - if you had COVID-19 symptoms

13 March - if you were self-isolating because someone you live with had symptoms

Check you’re eligible for SSP.

If you’re self-isolating because of contact with someone with COVID-19

You should self-isolate if you’ve been notified by the NHS or public health authorities that you’ve come into contact with someone with COVID-19.

You can get SSP for every day you were self-isolating from 28 May.

If you’re self-isolating because someone in your ‘support bubble’ or extended household has symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19

You should self-isolate if someone in your ‘support bubble’ (or your ‘extended household’ if you live in Scotland or Wales) has symptoms or has tested positive for COVID-19.

You can get SSP for every day you were self-isolating from 6 July.

You are not eligible for SSP for any days away from work before 6 July.

If you’re self-isolating before surgery

If you’ve been advised by your doctor or a healthcare professional to self-isolate before going into hospital for surgery, you can get SSP.

You must self-isolate for at least 4 days (including non-working days) to be eligible for SSP.

You can get SSP for every day you are self-isolating.

You are not eligible for SSP for any day you were self-isolating before 26 August.

If you’re off sick for another reason

You can get SSP from the fourth day you’re off sick.

The days you’re off sick when you normally would have worked are called ‘qualifying days’. If you’re eligible, you’ll get SSP for all your qualifying days, except for the first 3. These are called ‘waiting days’.

You only get paid for waiting days if you’ve already received SSP within the last 8 weeks, and that included a 3-day waiting period.

Check you’re eligible for SSP.

How you’re paid

SSP is paid by your employer in the same way as your normal wages, for example weekly or monthly.

If you have more than one job you may get SSP from each employer.

Tax and National Insurance will be deducted.

If you think you are not getting the right amount of SSP, talk to your employer. If you’re still not happy, contact the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) enquiry line.

Eligibility

To qualify for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) you must:

be classed as an employee and have done some work for your employer

earn an average of at least £120 per week

have been ill or self-isolating for at least 4 days in a row (including non-working days)

How many days you can get SSP (Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for depends on why you’re off work.

Agency workers are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay.

Telling your employer

You must usually tell your employer you’re unable to work before the deadline they (your employer) set (or within 7 days if they (your employer) have not set one).

You could lose some of your SSP if you do not tell your employer in time.

Exceptions

You will not qualify if you:

have received the maximum amount of SSP (28 weeks)

are getting Statutory Maternity Pay

are self-isolating after entering or returning to the UK and do not need to self-isolate for any other reason

You can still qualify if you started your job recently and you have not received 8 weeks’ pay yet. Ask your employer to find out more.

You can still qualify if you’re on furlough.

Linked periods of sickness

If you have regular periods of sickness, they may count as ‘linked’. To be linked, the periods must:

last 4 or more days each

be 8 weeks or less apart

You’re no longer eligible for SSP if you have a continuous series of linked periods that lasts more than 3 years.

Fit notes and asking for proof

You only have to give your employer a fit note (sometimes called a sick note) if you’re off sick for more than 7 days in a row (including non-working days).

You can get a fit note from your doctor or hospital doctor. If your employer agrees, a similar document can be provided by a physiotherapist, podiatrist or occupational therapist instead. This is called an Allied Health Professional (AHP) Health and Work Report.

Proof if you’re self-isolating because of coronavirus (COVID-19)

If you’re self-isolating and cannot work because of COVID-19, you can get an ‘isolation note’ online from NHS 111 if you’re off work for 7 or more days. You do not have to go to your doctor or a hospital.

If you’ve been notified by the NHS or public health authorities that you’ve come into contact with someone with COVID-19, your notification is proof.

If you’ve been advised by your doctor or healthcare professional to self-isolate before going into hospital for surgery, your letter confirming the date of your procedure is proof.

Proof if you were ‘shielding’ because of COVID-19

Shielding has stopped in the UK.

You can no longer apply for a new shielding note or a replacement shielding note.

If you’re not eligible or your SSP ends

You may be able to apply for Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). You can use form SSP1 to support your application.

If your SSP is ending your employer must send you form SSP1 either:

within 7 days of your SSP ending, if it (your SSP) ends unexpectedly while you’re still sick

on or before the beginning of the 23rd week, if your SSP is expected to end before your sickness does

If you do not qualify for SSP your employer must send you form SSP1 within 7 days of you going off sick.

How to claim

To claim Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), tell your employer by the deadline. Check with your employer how you should tell them (your employer).

If you cannot work for 7 or more days (including non-working days) you need:

an ‘isolation note’ if you’re unable to work because of coronavirus (COVID-19)

your notification from the NHS or public health authorities if you’ve been told to self-isolate because you’ve come into contact with someone with COVID-19

a ‘fit note’ (or sick note) if you’re off sick for another reason

a letter confirming the date of your procedure if you’ve been advised to self-isolate before going into hospital for surgery

If you’re unhappy with a decision

Talk to your employer if you think:

their (your employer) decision not to pay you SSP is wrong

you’re not getting the right amount of SSP

You can ask them (your employer) for a reason.

If this does not sort the problem, contact the HMRC Statutory Payment Disputes Team.


Paternity pay and leave

Overview

When you take time off because your partner’s having a baby, adopting a child or having a baby through a surrogacy arrangement you might be eligible for:

1 or 2 weeks’ paid Paternity Leave

Paternity Pay

Shared Parental Leave and Pay

You may not get both leave and pay, and there are rules on how to claim and when your leave can start.

Employment rights when on leave

Your employment rights are protected while on paternity leave. This includes your right to:

pay rises

build up (accrue) holiday

return to work

You can get time off to accompany your partner (or the surrogate mother) to 2 antenatal appointments.

If you’re adopting a child, you can get time off to attend 2 adoption appointments after you’ve been matched with a child.

Leave

Paternity leave

You can choose to take either 1 or 2 weeks. You get the same amount of leave if your partner has a multiple birth (such as twins).

You must take your leave (paternity leave) in one go. A week is the same amount of days that you normally work in a week - for example, a week is 2 days if you only work on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Start and end dates

Leave (paternity leave) cannot start before the birth. It (paternity leave) must end within 56 days of the birth (or due date if the baby is early).

You must give your employer 28 days’ notice if you want to change your start date.

You do not have to give a precise date when you want to take leave (paternity leave) (for example 1 February). Instead you can give a general time, such as the day of the birth or 1 week after the birth.

The rules are different if you adopt.

Shared Parental Leave

You may also be eligible for Shared Parental Leave (SPL) (Shared Parental Leave). You cannot take Paternity Leave after you take SPL (Shared Parental Leave).

Leave for antenatal appointments (paternity leave)

You can take unpaid leave to accompany a pregnant woman to 2 antenatal appointments if you’re:

the baby’s father

the expectant mother’s spouse or civil partner

in a long-term relationship with the expectant mother (a pregnant woman)

the intended parent (if you’re having a baby through a surrogacy arrangement)

You can take up to 6 and a half hours per appointment. Your employer can choose to give you longer.

You can apply for leave immediately if you’re a permanent employee. You’ll need to have been doing a job for 12 weeks before you qualify if you’re an agency worker.

Pay

The statutory weekly rate of Paternity Pay is £151.97, or 90% of your average weekly earnings (whichever is lower).

Any money you get is paid in the same way as your wages, for example monthly or weekly. Tax and National Insurance will be deducted.

Start and end dates

The money is usually paid while you’re on leave. Your employer must confirm the start and end dates for your Paternity Pay when you claim it.

To change the start date you must give your employer 28 days’ notice.

You could get more pay if your employer has a company paternity scheme - they (Your employer) cannot offer you less than the statutory amounts.

Eligibility

You must be taking time off to look after the child and be one of the following:

the father

the husband or partner of the mother (or adopter) - this includes same-sex partners

the child’s (the child) adopter

There are extra conditions you need to meet to qualify for leave and pay.

You cannot get Paternity Pay and Leave if you’ve taken paid time off to attend adoption appointments.

Paternity Leave (Leave)

You must:

be an employee

give the correct notice

have been continuously employed by your employer for at least 26 weeks up to any day in the ‘qualifying week’

The ‘qualifying week’ is the 15th week before the baby is due. This is different if you adopt.

Paternity Pay

You must:

be employed by your employer up to the date of birth

earn at least £120 a week (before tax)

give the correct notice

If you usually earn an average of £120 or more a week, and you only earned less in some weeks because you were paid but not working (‘on furlough’) under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, you may still be eligible.

If you lose your baby

You can still get Paternity Leave or Pay if your baby is:

stillborn from 24 weeks of pregnancy

born alive at any point during the pregnancy

If you’re not eligible

Your employer must tell you within 28 days if you do not qualify and why using form SPP1.

How to claim

Claim Paternity Leave and Pay through your employer. You do not need to give proof of the pregnancy or birth.

The rules and forms are different if you adopt.

Paternity Leave

At least 15 weeks before the baby is due, tell your employer:

the due date

when you want your leave (Paternity Leave) to start, for example the day of the birth or the week after the birth

if you want 1 or 2 weeks’ leave

Your employer can ask for this (1 or 2 weeks’ leave) in writing. You can ask for Paternity Pay at the same time, if you use form SC3 (or your employer’s (your employer) own version).

Use the paternity planner to find out when you need to claim Paternity Leave by.

Paternity Pay

At least 15 weeks before the baby is due, give your employer form SC3 (or their own version (your employer’s (your employer) own version)).

Adoption and surrogacy

Eligibility

You must have been continuously employed by your employer for at least 26 weeks by the ‘matching week’. For adoption this is either:

the end of the week you’re matched with the child (UK adoptions)

the date the child enters the UK or when you want your pay to start (overseas adoptions)

You must also meet the other eligibility conditions for paternity leave or pay.

Start and end dates - Paternity Leave

Your period of Paternity Leave can start:

on the date of placement

an agreed number of days after the date of placement

on the date the child arrives in the UK or an agreed number of days after this (overseas adoptions only)

the day the child’s born or the day after if you’re working that day (surrogate parents)

Leave must be taken within 56 days of the date of placement or the child’s (the child) arrival in the UK (overseas adoptions).

How to claim - Paternity Leave or Pay

You must use form SC4 (or your employer’s own version) for:

leave - within 7 days of your co-adopter or partner being matched with a child

pay - 28 days before you want your pay to start

For overseas adoptions the form and notice period is different. The process is explained on form SC5.

Proof of adoption

You must give your employer proof of adoption to qualify for Paternity Pay. Proof is not needed for Paternity Leave unless your employer asks for it.

Proof can be a letter from your adoption agency or the matching certificate.

You’ll need to provide this information within 28 days.

Surrogacy arrangements

To be eligible for Paternity Pay and Leave if you use a surrogate to have a baby, you must:

be in a couple

be responsible for the child (a baby) (with your partner)

have worked for your employer continuously for at least 26 weeks by the end of the ‘qualifying week’ (the 15th week before the baby (a baby) is due)

At least 15 weeks before the due date, tell your employer (your employer’s) when the baby (a baby) is due and when you want to start your leave  - they (your employer’s) may ask for this in writing.

Your employer may ask for a written statement to confirm you intend to apply for a parental order in the 6 months after the child’s (a baby) birth. You must sign this in the presence of a legal professional.

You cannot get Paternity Leave if you take Shared Parental Leave.


Claim Child Benefit

How it works

You get Child Benefit if you’re responsible for bringing up a child who is:

under 16

Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child.

It (Child Benefit)’s paid every 4 weeks and there’s no limit to how many children you can claim for.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

By claiming Child Benefit:

you can get National Insurance credits which count towards your State Pension

your child will automatically get a National Insurance number when they’re 16 years old

If you choose not to get Child Benefit payments, you should still fill in and send off the claim form.

If you or your partner earn over £50,000

You may have to pay back some of your Child Benefit in tax if your (or your partner’s) individual income is over £50,000.

If your circumstances change

What you'll get

There are 2 Child Benefit rates.

Who the allowance is for | Rate (weekly)

Eldest or only child | £21.15

Additional children | £14 per child

You must contact the Child Benefit Office if you’re paid too much or too little.

The benefit cap may affect the total amount of benefits you get, including Child Benefit.

How and when Child Benefit is paid

Child Benefit is usually paid every 4 weeks on a Monday or Tuesday.

You can have the money (Child Benefit) paid weekly if you’re a single parent or getting certain other benefits, such as Income Support.

You can get the money (Child Benefit) paid into any account, apart from a Nationwide cashbuilder account (sort code 070030) in someone else’s name.

You can only get the money (Child Benefit) paid into one account.

Child Benefit and your State Pension

If your child is under 12 and you’re not working or do not earn enough to pay National Insurance contributions, Child Benefit can give you National Insurance credits.

These credits (National Insurance credits) count towards your State Pension, so you do not have gaps in your National Insurance record.

If families split up

If a family splits up, you get £21.15 a week for the eldest child.

If you have 2 children and one stays with you and the other stays with your ex-partner, you’ll both get £21.15 a week for each child.

If you both claim for the same child, only one of you will get Child Benefit for them.

If you have other children who are entitled to Child Benefit, you’ll get £14 for each child.

If families join together

If 2 families join together, the eldest child in the new family qualifies for the £21.15 rate and any other children who are eligible will get the £14 rate.

If you or your partner earn over £50,000

You can get Child Benefit if your (or your partner’s) individual income is over £50,000, but you may be taxed on the benefit (Child Benefit). This is known as the High Income Child Benefit Tax Charge.

If your partner’s income is also over £50,000 but yours is higher, you’re responsible for paying the tax charge (taxed). You need to fill in a Self Assessment tax return each tax year and pay what you owe.

Use the Child Benefit tax calculator to estimate how much tax you may have to pay.

Once you earn £60,000 you lose all of your benefit through tax.

Eligibility

Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child.

You normally qualify for Child Benefit if you’re responsible for a child under 16 (or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training) and you live in the UK.

You’ll usually be responsible for a child if you live with them or you’re paying at least the same amount as Child Benefit (or the equivalent in kind) towards looking after them, for example on food, clothes or pocket money.

Eligibility rules are different if your child:

goes into hospital or care

lives with someone else

Child Benefit continues for 20 weeks if 16 or 17 year olds leave education or training and register with the armed services or a government-sponsored careers service.

Fostering a child

You’ll get Child Benefit if you foster a child, as long as the local council is not paying anything towards their accommodation or maintenance.

Adopting a child

You can apply for Child Benefit as soon as any child you’re adopting comes to live with you - you do not have to wait until the adoption process is complete.

You might be able to get Child Benefit for a period before the adoption - contact the Child Benefit Office to find out.

Looking after someone else’s child

You may be able to get Child Benefit if you’ve got an informal arrangement to look after a friend or relative’s child.

You might not qualify if your local council is paying towards the child’s accommodation or maintenance - contact the Child Benefit Office to find out.

Two people cannot get Child Benefit for the same child - if you want to make a claim, you must agree it with the person who’s currently claiming. HMRC will decide who receives the Child Benefit (Child Benefit) if you cannot agree.

You may also be entitled to Guardian’s Allowance if you’re responsible for a child who has lost one or both of their parents.

Living abroad

You may be able to get Child Benefit if you go to live in certain countries or if you’re a Crown servant.

If you’ve moved to the UK

You may be able to get Child Benefit if you have moved to the UK and you have a ‘right to reside’.

If your child starts work or gets benefits in their own right

You’ll stop receiving Child Benefit immediately if your child:

starts paid work for 24 hours or more a week and is no longer in approved education or training

starts an apprenticeship in England

starts getting certain benefits in their (your child) own right, such as Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance or tax credits

If you or your partner earn over £50,000

You’ll still be eligible for Child Benefit even if you choose to stop receiving it (Child Benefit). You can always change your mind and restart your payments.

Contact the Child Benefit Office if you’re not sure about your eligibility.

How to claim

You can claim Child Benefit as soon as you’ve registered the birth of your child, or they come to live with you.

If you’re not able to register the birth of your child because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you can still make a claim to receive Child Benefit.

How long it takes

It can take 6 to 12 weeks to process a new Child Benefit claim (or longer if you’re new to the UK). Child Benefit can be backdated for up to 3 months.

Deciding who should claim

Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child, so you need to decide whether it’s better for you or the other parent to claim. The person who claims will get National Insurance credits towards their state pension if they are not working or earn less than £184 per week.

Make a claim for the first time

Fill in Child Benefit claim form CH2 and send it to the Child Benefit Office. The address is on the form.

If your child is adopted, send their original adoption certificate with the form (Child Benefit claim form CH2). You can order a new adoption certificate if you’ve lost the original.

If you do not have the certificate you need, send your claim form (Child Benefit claim form CH2) now and send the certificate (their original adoption certificate) once you’ve got it.

If your child’s birth was registered outside the UK

When you send your claim form, include your child’s:

original birth certificate

passport or travel document used to enter the UK

If you’ve lost the original (their original adoption certificate) you can order a new birth certificate.

Add a child to an existing claim

Call the child benefit helpline if:

your child is under 6 months old and lives with you

your child (your child’s) was born in the UK and their (your child’s) birth was registered in England, Scotland or Wales more than 24 hours ago

you’re a UK, EEA or Swiss national and you’ve lived in the UK since the start of your claim

When you call, you’ll need your:

National Insurance number

child’s birth certificate

If you do not meet the criteria to add a child by phone

You’ll need to make a new claim by post. Fill in Child Benefit form CH2 and send it to the Child Benefit Office. The address is on the form.

If you’re claiming for more than 2 children, also include the ‘additional children’ form.

Claiming Child Benefit for someone else

You may be able to manage someone else’s Child Benefit claim.

Make a change to your claim

You must report any change of circumstances to the Child Benefit Office. These include changes to your:

family life, for example getting married

child’s life, for example leaving education or training

Change who gets Child Benefit

Contact the Child Benefit Office if you want someone else to claim Child Benefit, for example, your spouse or partner.

After you’ve done this (Contact), tell the other person to make a new claim.

Stop or restart payments

You can choose to stop or restart your payments at any time, for example because you or your partner earn over £50,000 a year. It does not affect your eligibility.

Get help with your claim

Contact the Child Benefit Office if you have any questions.

If you disagree with a decision

You can challenge a decision about your claim. This is called asking for mandatory reconsideration.

Make a complaint

You can complain to the Child Benefit Office if you’re unhappy with the way you’ve been treated.


Help if you have a disabled child

Overview

Your local council can provide help if you have a disabled child, including:

short break services

holiday play schemes

care at home

some aids and adaptations

financial help, eg money towards travel costs for hospital visits

Your council (Your local council) has a duty to provide these services under the Children Act 1989. Some are free of charge - the council (Your local council) might ask you to contribute towards others.

If you think your child may qualify, contact the social services team at your local council.

A social worker will then talk to you about the needs of your family, including:

health

social care

education

This (talk) is called a ‘needs assessment’ - the social worker (A social worker) will give you advice on what to do next.

You can also ask your council (Your local council) about local support groups for carers and families with disabled children.

Help with costs

If your child qualifies for services from your local council, you’ll also have the option of getting direct payments.

These (direct payments) are paid directly to you so you can arrange services you need. They (direct payments)’re an alternative to social care services provided by your local council.

You may also be eligible for extra Child Tax Credit for each disabled child you’re responsible for or Disability Living Allowance for children.

Childcare

Your local council’s (Your local council) Family Information Service can give you details about childcare in your local area.

You can also ask them (Your local council’s (Your local council) Family Information Service) about other specialist services that your child may need because of their disability.

Help with childcare costs

All 3 and 4 year olds are entitled to 15 hours of free education for 38 weeks of the year - read the information on childcare and tax credits for more details.

Some 2-year-olds (even if they have an education, health and care plan or get Disability Living Allowance) are also entitled to the 15 hours of free education.

You can also get direct payments from your local council to help pay for childcare.

If you’re on the Early Support Programme and have a Family File, show this to your childcare provider.

If you’re working, you may be able to get up to £4,000 a year to help pay for childcare for a disabled child through Tax-Free Childcare.

Education

Under the Equality Act 2010, it’s against the law for schools and other education providers to discriminate against disabled children.

Examples of discrimination include:

a school refusing to admit a disabled child just because of their disability

stopping a disabled pupil going outside at break time because it takes them longer to get there

Contact the Equality Advisory Support Service if you think your child has been discriminated against because of their disability.

Making ‘reasonable adjustments’

Schools have to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ for disabled children. These can include:

changes to physical features, eg adding a ramp

changes to how learners are assessed

providing extra support and aids, eg specialist teachers or equipment

Special educational needs

Some children may have special educational needs because their disabilities affect their ability to learn.

You can ask your council to carry out an education, health and care (EHC) needs assessment for your child. They (your child) may get an EHC plan, which will explain the extra support they (your child) need.

The council (your council) must make sure your child gets this support.

Ask to see a school’s policy on special educational needs so you know what support they can offer.

Find your local support service if you need impartial advice about special educational needs.

Motability scheme

The Motability Scheme (Motability scheme) can help you lease a car if your child is aged 3 or over and is entitled to either the:

higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance

enhanced mobility component of Personal Independence Payment

More information about the scheme (Motability scheme) is on the Motability website.

You can also contact:

Home adaptations

If your home needs to be adapted to meet your child’s needs, you may be able to get a Disabled Facilities Grant to help with the costs.

Usually, an occupational therapist will talk to you to work out what adaptations would be best for your child.

A Disabled Facilities Grant will not affect any benefits that you’re getting.


Healthy Start

Overview

If you’re pregnant or have a child under 4, the Healthy Start scheme can help you buy basic foods like milk or fruit.

If you live in Scotland you cannot get Healthy Start (the Healthy Start scheme). You can apply for Best Start Foods instead.

If you qualify for the scheme (the Healthy Start scheme) you’ll be sent vouchers you can use in over 30,000 shops in the UK.

You can also get coupons to swap for:

pregnancy vitamins

breastfeeding vitamins

vitamins for children aged 6 months to 5 years old

What you'll get

If you qualify, you’ll get vouchers worth £4.25 each to spend on:

cow’s milk

fresh, frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables

infant formula milk

fresh, dried, and tinned pulses

You get 1 voucher a week if:

you’re pregnant

you have a child aged between 1 and 4

You get 2 vouchers a week if you have a child under 1.

You can also get free vitamin supplements.

Eligibility

You can get Healthy Start vouchers if you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. If you live in Scotland, apply for Best Start Foods instead.

You will qualify for the Healthy Start scheme if either:

you’re at least 10 weeks pregnant

you have at least 1 child under 4 years old

In addition, you must be receiving any of the following:

Child Tax Credit (but only if your family’s annual income is £16,190 or less)

income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Income Support

income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

Pension Credit

Universal Credit (but only if your family earns £408 or less per month from employment)

Working Tax Credit (but only if your family is receiving the 4 week ‘run-on’ payment)

You’ll also be eligible for the Healthy Start scheme if you’re pregnant and under 18, even if you do not receive any benefits.

Working Tax Credit run-on (the 4 week ‘run-on’ payment) is the payment you receive for a further 4 weeks immediately after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit.

How to claim

Apply for Healthy Start vouchers.

You can also get an application form from your midwife or ‘health visitor’, or by phoning the Healthy Start helpline.


Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Overview

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can help you with some of the extra costs if you have a long term physical or mental health condition or disability.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

The amount you get depends on how your condition affects you, not the condition itself. You’ll be assessed by a health professional to work out the level of help you can get.

Your carer could get Carer’s Allowance if you have substantial caring needs.

If you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) (Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is being replaced by PIP for most adults. You’ll keep getting DLA (Disability Living Allowance (DLA) if:

you’re under 16

you were born on or before 8 April 1948

If you were born after 8 April 1948, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will invite you to apply for PIP. You do not need to do anything until DWP writes to you about your DLA (Disability Living Allowance (DLA) unless your circumstances change.

Help with PIP

You can contact a local support organisation or Citizens Advice to get help understanding PIP.

Eligibility

You can get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) (PIP) whether you’re working or not.

You must be aged 16 or over and usually have not reached State Pension age to claim.

You must also have a physical or mental health condition or disability where you:

have had difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) for 3 months

expect these difficulties (difficulties with daily living or getting around (or both) to continue for at least 9 months

You usually need to have lived in England, Scotland or Wales for at least 2 of the last 3 years, and be in one of these countries when you apply. If you’ve recently returned from living in an EEA country, you might be able to get PIP sooner.

Find out about PIP if you live in Northern Ireland.

There are different rules if you’re terminally ill and a healthcare professional has said you might have less than 6 months to live.

You cannot get PIP and Armed Forces Independence Payment at the same time.

Daily living difficulties

You may get the daily living part of PIP if you need help more than half of the time with things like:

preparing or eating food

washing, bathing and using the toilet

dressing and undressing

reading and communicating

managing your medicines or treatments

making decisions about money

engaging with other people

Mobility difficulties

You may get the mobility part of PIP if you need help going out or moving around.

How you’re assessed

You’ll be assessed by an independent healthcare professional to work out the level of help you need.

If you’ve reached State Pension age

You can get PIP if you:

were already getting PIP before you reached State Pension age and your condition has not changed

have been claiming Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and you’ve had a letter inviting you to apply for PIP

You may get PIP if you previously got it (PIP) and you were still entitled to it (PIP) within the last year.

If you cannot get PIP, you can apply for Attendance Allowance instead.

Living abroad

You might still be able to get PIP if you:

live in an EU or EEA country or Switzerland - you can only get help with daily living needs

are a member or family member of the Armed Forces

If you’re not a British citizen

You must:

normally live in or show that you intend to settle in the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands

not be subject to immigration control (unless you’re a sponsored immigrant)

You might still be able to get PIP if you are a refugee or have humanitarian protection status.

What you’ll get

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is made up of 2 parts - a daily living part and a mobility part. Whether you get one or both of these and how much you’ll get depends on how severely your condition affects you.

You’ll need an assessment to work out how much you’ll get. Your rate will be regularly reviewed to make sure you’re getting the right support.

PIP (Personal Independence Payment (PIP)) is tax free. The amount you get is not affected by your income or savings.

You need to tell DWP straight away if there’s a change in your personal circumstances or how your condition affects you.

Daily living part

The weekly rate for the daily living part of PIP (Daily living part) (Personal Independence Payment (PIP)) is either £60.00 or £89.60.

Mobility part

The weekly rate for the mobility part of PIP (a mobility part) (Personal Independence Payment (PIP)) is either £23.70 or £62.55.

Terminal illness

You’ll get the higher daily living part (a daily living part) if you’re not expected to live more than 6 months. The rate of the mobility part (a mobility part) depends on your needs.

How other benefits affect your PIP

The daily living part of your PIP (Daily living part) will be reduced if you get any of the following benefits:

Constant Attendance Allowance

War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement

How you’re paid

PIP (Personal Independence Payment (PIP)) is usually paid every 4 weeks.

Your decision letter will tell you:

the date of your first payment

what day of the week you’ll usually be paid

If your payment date is on a bank holiday, you’ll usually be paid before the bank holiday. After that you’ll continue to get paid as normal.

All benefits, pensions and allowances are paid into your bank, building society or credit union account.

Other help

You or your carer might also qualify for other financial help, for example Carer’s Allowance, or help with housing or transport costs.

If you get PIP (Personal Independence Payment (PIP)) and you work, you might also be able to get the disability element of Working Tax Credit (up to £3,220 a year, or up to £4,610 if your disability is severe). Contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to find out.

How to claim

Call the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to make a new Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claim.

There is a different way to claim if you’re terminally ill.

Find out how to claim if you live in Northern Ireland.

Claim by telephone or textphone

Before you call, you’ll need:

your contact details, for example telephone number

your date of birth

your National Insurance number - this is on letters about tax, pensions and benefits

your bank or building society account number and sort code

your doctor or health worker’s name, address and telephone number

dates and addresses for any time you’ve spent in a care home or hospital

dates for any time you spent abroad for more than 4 weeks at a time, and the countries you visited

If you need someone to help you, ask DWP (the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)) to add them to your call when you:

phone

use Relay UK

use the video relay service

You cannot do this if you use textphone.

If you cannot use any of these, someone else can call on your behalf, but you’ll need to be with them when they call.

Claim by post

You can get a form to send information by post (although this can delay the decision on your claim). Write a letter to ask for the form.

What happens next

You’ll be sent a ‘How your disability affects you’ form. Call the PIP enquiry line if you need it in an alternative format such as braille, large print or audio CD.

Fill in the form (a ‘How your disability affects you’ form) using the notes that come with it (a ‘How your disability affects you’ form) to help you. You can also read Citizens Advice’s help on filling in the form (a ‘How your disability affects you’ form).

Return the form (a ‘How your disability affects you’ form) to DWP (the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)) - the address is on the form (a ‘How your disability affects you’ form). You have 1 month to return the form (a ‘How your disability affects you’ form). DWP (the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)) will start processing your claim when they (the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)) receive your form (a ‘How your disability affects you’ form). Contact the PIP enquiry line if you need more time.

If more information is needed, an independent health professional will send a letter inviting you to an assessment. Assessments can be in person, over the phone or by video call. You’ll be asked questions about your ability to carry out activities and how your condition affects your daily life. You can read Citizens Advice’s help on preparing for an assessment.

You’ll get a letter that tells you whether you’ll get PIP. If you do, you’ll be told how much you’ll get, when you’ll be paid and the date your PIP will be reviewed so that you continue to get the right support.

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you’ll only be invited to attend an assessment in person if more information is needed and you cannot do an assessment by phone or video call. Your invitation letter will explain how to attend your appointment safely.

You cannot apply using any Disability Living Allowance (DLA) forms you may have.

If you disagree with a decision

You can challenge a decision about your claim. This is called asking for ‘mandatory reconsideration’.

If your PIP claim (your claim) is reviewed

The letter you got when your Personal Independence Payment (PIP) was approved will tell you when your claim will end and if it (your claim) will be reviewed.

If your claim is going to be reviewed, the letter will tell you when you’ll be contacted about the review.

How PIP reviews work

You will continue to get PIP while your claim is being reviewed.

You’ll get a letter asking you to fill in a form called ‘Award review - how your disability affects you’.

Fill in the form using the notes that come with it.

Send the form and any supporting information you have not shared with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) before - the form explains what to include and where to send it (the form). You’ll need to return it (the form) within 1 month. Contact the PIP enquiry line if you need more time.

DWP (the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)) will review your form (the form). If they (the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)) need more information, an independent health professional might phone you to ask some questions or send a letter inviting you to an assessment. Assessments can be in person, over the phone or by video call.

You’ll get a letter that tells you what will happen with your PIP. If your needs have changed, your PIP might be increased, reduced or stopped.

Because of coronavirus (COVID-19), you’ll only be invited to an assessment in person if more information is needed and you cannot do an assessment by phone or video call. Your invitation letter will explain how to attend your appointment safely.

If you disagree with a decision

You can challenge a decision about your claim. This is called asking for mandatory reconsideration.

Change of circumstances

You must contact the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) enquiry line (the PIP enquiry line) if:

your personal details change, for example your name, address or doctor

the help you need or your condition changes

your condition has worsened and you’re not expected to live more than 6 months

you go into hospital or a care home

you go abroad

you’re imprisoned or held in detention

your immigration status changes, if you’re not a British citizen

You could be taken to court or have to pay a penalty if you give wrong information or do not report a change in your circumstances.

How to report a change of circumstances

Contact the PIP enquiry line to report a change of circumstances.

If you need someone to help you, ask the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to add them to your call when you:

phone

use Relay UK

use the video relay service

You cannot do this if you use textphone.

If you’ve been paid too much

You may have to repay the money if you:

did not report a change straight away

gave wrong information

were overpaid by mistake

Find out how to repay the money you owe from benefit overpayment.

Claiming PIP if you're terminally ill

You can get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) more quickly if you’re terminally ill.

You can claim PIP (Personal Independence Payment (PIP)) if:

your doctor or a healthcare professional has said you might have less than 6 months to live

you are aged 16 or over and usually have not reached State Pension age

How to claim

You can claim for yourself or someone else can do it (claim) for you.

Call DWP (the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)) to start your PIP (Personal Independence Payment (PIP)) claim (claim). Ask a doctor or other healthcare professional for form DS1500. They’ll either fill it in and give the form to you or send it directly to DWP (the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)).

You will not need to go to a face-to-face consultation.

phone

use Relay UK

use the video relay service

You may be able to get other benefits if you’re terminally ill.


Diffuse mesothelioma payments

Overview

You may be able to get a payment if you’ve been diagnosed with the asbestos-related disease, diffuse mesothelioma.

There are 2 types of payment you can claim for:

diffuse mesothelioma payments (the ‘2008 scheme’)

the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS)

You can claim DMPS if you cannot find the employer responsible for your contact with asbestos, or their insurer.

What you'll get

The 2008 scheme

You’ll get one payment.

The amount you’ll get depends on how old you were when your disease was diagnosed. For example, if you were 60 when your disease was diagnosed, and you qualify, you’ll get a payment of £44,312.

Rates

Age when diagnosed | Payment

37 and under | £94,296

38 | £92,463

39 | £90,633

40 | £88,804

41 | £86,971

42 | £85,140

43 | £84,227

44 | £83,306

45 | £82,394

46 | £81,477

47 | £80,562

48 | £78,003

49 | £75,440

50 | £72,873

51 | £70,312

52 | £67,742

53 | £65,913

54 | £64,085

55 | £62,258

56 | £60,418

57 | £58,587

58 | £53,829

59 | £49,066

60 | £44,312

61 | £39,550

62 | £34,790

63 | £31,859

64 | £28,926

65 | £26,001

66 | £23,071

67 | £20,142

68 | £19,545

69 | £18,946

70 | £18,357

71 | £17,761

72 | £17,169

73 | £16,662

74 | £16,146

75 | £15,652

76 | £15,155

77 and over | £14,651

Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS) (DMPS)

Your payment will depend on the details of your claim. Read about payment amounts on the DMPS website.

Eligibility

The 2008 scheme

You can claim a one-off payment if you:

are not entitled to a payment under the 1979 Pneumoconiosis Act

have not been given a payment for the disease from an employer, a civil claim or elsewhere

are not entitled to compensation from a Ministry of Defence scheme

You must have been exposed to asbestos in the United Kingdom.

Examples of exposure include:

you came into contact with asbestos from a relative, for instance by washing their (the employer responsible for your contact with asbestos) clothes

you were exposed to asbestos in the environment, for instance you lived near a factory using asbestos

you were exposed to asbestos while self-employed

your exposure (exposed) cannot be specified but it (exposed) occurred in the United Kingdom

You may be able to claim if all of the following apply:

you were diagnosed with diffuse mesothelioma on or after 25 July 2012

your mesothelioma (diffuse mesothelioma) was caused by exposure to asbestos when working in the UK (the United Kingdom)

you cannot trace the employer that exposed you to asbestos, or their insurers

you have not made a civil claim against any employer or insurer

you have not received damages or a specified payment for mesothelioma and you’re not eligible to a specified payment

You may also be able to claim if you were the dependant of a sufferer who has died.

You can claim for DMPS even if you have already claimed from the 2008 scheme or under the 1979 Pneumoconiosis Act. If you’ve already got a payment from the 2008 scheme or the Pneumoconiosis Act, it will be deducted from the amount you get from DMPS.

You may still be able to claim from the 2008 scheme even if you are unsuccessful in your DMPS claim.

Claims through the DMPS scheme (DMPS) must be made within 3 years of diagnosis.

Payments for dependants

The 2008 scheme

You may be able to claim if you were the dependant of a sufferer who has died. You must claim within 12 months of their death.

Contact Barrow Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) Centre to find out if you’re eligible.

Rates

If you qualify, you’ll get one payment. The amount will depend on how old the person with mesothelioma (a sufferer who has died) was when they (a sufferer who has died) died. For example, if they (a sufferer who has died) were 60 when they (a sufferer who has died) died, and you qualify, you’ll get a payment of £19,182.

Age of death | Payment

37 and under | £49,073

38 | £48,018

39 | £46,965

40 | £45,913

41 | £44,860

42 | £43,808

43 | £42,800

44 | £41,784

45 | £40,783

46 | £39,777

47 | £38,772

48 | £37,536

49 | £36,297

50 | £35,063

51 | £33,831

52 | £32,596

53 | £31,583

54 | £30,580

55 | £29,573

56 | £28,559

57 | £27,555

58 | £24,768

59 | £21,971

60 | £19,182

61 | £16,389

62 | £13,593

63 | £12,795

64 | £12,003

65 | £11,191

66 | £10,392

67 and over | £8,124

How to claim

The 2008 scheme

Fill in a mesothelioma payment claim form and provide medical evidence.

Contact Barrow Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) Centre if you cannot print out a form and you need one sent to you.

Alternative formats

Contact the Barrow IIDB Centre (Barrow Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) Centre) to ask for alternative formats, such as braille, large print or audio CD.

You must claim within 12 months of diagnosis. If you’re a dependant claiming for a sufferer who is now deceased, you must claim within 12 months from the date of their death.

You can apply online at the DMPS website.

You’ll need:

your National Insurance number

your full employment history, with evidence - for example, P60s

evidence of unsuccessful attempts to trace your employer or insurers

the date of your diagnosis

evidence of diagnosis

details of any previous claims

a witness statement

Contact TopMark for more information on the DMPS (DMPS) and how to apply.

If you disagree with a decision

You can challenge a decision about your claim. This is called asking for a mandatory review.

If you’re unhappy with the outcome of the mandatory review (challenge), you can appeal to to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal. The tribunal is impartial and independent of government.

Appeal to the tribunal (the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal) within one month of getting the mandatory review decision. If you submit your appeal after a month you’ll have to explain why you did not do it earlier.

Download and fill in form SSCS6a and send it to the address on the form.

You’ll need to choose whether you want to go to the tribunal hearing to explain your case. If you do not attend, your appeal will be decided on your appeal form (form SSCS6a) and any supporting evidence.

After you submit your appeal, you can provide evidence. Your appeal and the evidence (any supporting evidence) will be discussed at a hearing by a judge and one or two experts. The judge will then make a decision.

It usually takes around 6 months for your appeal to be heard by the tribunal (the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal).