DWP £560 Disability Benefit 2025 – Who Really Gets It and What the Number Means

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that disability benefits have risen for 2025, giving much-needed relief to households struggling with rising energy bills, food costs, and transport expenses. Each year, benefits are adjusted to keep up with inflation. For 2025, the government announced an average 1.7% increase across most disability benefits.

While modest, this rise helps claimants cope with higher living costs. In practice, it means weekly payments are slightly larger, and for some groups, these amounts now total around £560 per month, which has caused widespread confusion.

What Is the £560 Figure and Why Is It Trending?

Many have seen references online to a “£560 monthly disability benefit” and believed it was a brand-new government payment introduced in 2025. This is incorrect.

The £560 figure is not a separate or additional benefit. Instead, it reflects how weekly payments—such as those under Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)—add up across four weeks. For example, those in the ESA Support Group now receive about £140.55 per week, which equals just over £560 per month.

This simple calculation has been mistaken for a new scheme, but it is only the sum of existing benefits at the highest rates.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) in 2025

ESA is paid to individuals who cannot work because of a disability or health condition. There are two categories:

• Work-Related Activity Group: Paid at a lower rate, for those expected to prepare for future work.
• Support Group: Paid at the higher rate, for those with the most serious health conditions.

In 2025, Support Group claimants receive £140.55 per week, adding up to more than £560 per month. This group will see the largest impact of the 1.7% rise.

Those in the Work-Related Activity Group get smaller weekly amounts, but they too benefit from the increase.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Adjustments

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) continues to be a vital source of support for people with long-term conditions or mobility challenges. It consists of two components:

• Daily Living Component (standard and enhanced rates)
• Mobility Component (standard and enhanced rates)

In 2025:

• A claimant on the enhanced rate for both parts can receive over £180 per week, or more than £720 per month.
• Even those on standard rates will notice a small rise in their weekly entitlement.

Unlike ESA, PIP is not income-related. Payments are based purely on the level of support a claimant requires.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance Updates

While Disability Living Allowance (DLA) has largely been replaced by PIP for new adult claimants, some children and existing adults still receive it. Both care and mobility components of DLA have risen slightly in 2025.

Attendance Allowance, which supports people over State Pension age with illness or disability, is paid at two levels:

• Lower Rate – for those needing help during the day or night.
• Higher Rate – for those needing help both day and night.

Although these amounts are generally less than ESA or PIP, the new increases provide additional support to older pensioners facing high care costs.

Who Will Actually Receive £560 Per Month?

Not all claimants will receive the widely discussed £560 monthly figure. This total is reserved for:

• Claimants in the ESA Support Group.
• PIP recipients at the enhanced rate for both components.
• A small group of DLA or Attendance Allowance recipients whose combined benefits equal or exceed that figure.

For most people, payments will be lower. The exact amount depends on:

• Type of benefit claimed.
• Standard vs. enhanced rates.
• Group placement (ESA Support vs. Work-Related).
• Age and personal circumstances.

What Claimants Should Do Now

If you currently receive disability benefits, you do not need to reapply to access the new 2025 rates. The increase has been automatically added from April 2025.

To avoid confusion and misinformation, claimants should:

• Check payment letters and bank statements for updated amounts.
• Confirm benefit group placement with the DWP if unsure.
• Seek advice from Citizens Advice or disability support organisations for clarification.
• Ignore misleading online claims about new payments. The £560 is not an additional benefit, only the result of updated weekly amounts.

Why This Matters for UK Families

For millions of households, disability benefits are a lifeline. Rising inflation has stretched budgets thin, leaving vulnerable families struggling with heating, food, and transport costs. Even small increases like the 1.7% rise in 2025 can mean the difference between financial hardship and stability.

The confusion around the £560 figure highlights the importance of clear communication from the government, as misinformation can raise false hopes or create unnecessary stress for claimants.

FAQs About the £560 Disability Benefit

Q1: Is the £560 a new payment in 2025?
A: No, it is not a new payment. It is the result of weekly benefit amounts adding up to around £560 per month for some claimants.

Q2: Who can receive £560 per month?
A: Primarily those in the ESA Support Group or claimants receiving enhanced PIP rates.

Q3: Do I need to apply to get the new rates?
A: No. Increases are applied automatically from April 2025.

Q4: How much did disability benefits rise in 2025?
A: Most disability benefits rose by around 1.7%, in line with inflation.

Q5: Where can I check my updated payments?
A: You can check your payment letters, bank statements, or the official DWP portal for updated amounts.