Welfare benefit factsheets

Universal Credit: an overview

Universal credit (UC) is a new benefit that is replacing a range of means-tested benefits with a single benefit. To qualify you will need to meet certain basic rules and have income and capital/savings below certain levels. Updated July 2020. PLEASE NOTE The DWP suspended face-to-face assessments, in late March 2020, for three months. Please check for updates at www.gov.uk/welfare

PIP: an overview

This factsheet offers a guide to applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and guidance on how to challenge decisions you believe are wrong. Updated July 2020. PLEASE NOTE The DWP suspended face-to-face assessments, in late March 2020, for three months. In July, it announced that some review and reassessment activity would begin to resume for PIP and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Please check for updates at www.gov.uk/welfare

ESA: an overview

This factsheet offers guidance on making a claim for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), filling in the capability for work questionnaire (ESA50), and appealing if you believe the decision is wrong. Updated September 2021.

Supporting evidence for PIP and ESA claims

Supporting evidence – particularly medical – can make a crucial difference to the success of a benefits claim or appeal. This factsheet includes information on what to include and how to request it, plus template letters your GP can use.

DLA: a guide to filling in the form

It is no longer possible to make a new claim for DLA but you may still be able to make a renewal claim. Your renewal form may differ in order from the following guide but most of the information should still be relevant.

Permitted Work

Permitted Work allows people to try out working while still getting their incapacity related benefit. You can do Permitted Work while you are on the certain benefits, but you must be aware of the Permitted Work rules as outlined in this factsheet. Updated April 2017.

DLA for children under 16

This factsheet offers guidance on applying for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children under 16. To qualify, they must have been disabled/sick for at least three months and likely to remain so for at least a further six months.

DLA face-to-face medicals for adults and children

If you are putting in your first claim for Disability Living Allowance (DLA), a renewal claim or a revision or appeal, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) may require you to have a medical. This factsheet details how this process will work.

Useful resources