The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that some disability benefit claimants are receiving payments of around £560, typically issued as arrears or corrective sums following reassessments, appeals or award changes.
The payment is not a new cost-of-living grant. Instead, it reflects backdated entitlement, underpayment corrections or increased award rates under existing rules. Payments are already being processed and made directly into claimants’ bank accounts once decisions are finalised.
Those affected include some recipients of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit (UC) with health elements, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Attendance Allowance. The amount varies by case, but £560 is a commonly reported figure where arrears cover several weeks or months.
What the £560 DWP Disability Payment Actually Is
The £560 figure is not a standalone scheme or universal payment.
In most cases, it represents:
- Backdated increases after moving from standard to enhanced rates
- Corrected underpayments following a DWP review
- Arrears after successful appeals or mandatory reconsiderations
- Work capability reassessment corrections in Universal Credit or ESA
The DWP routinely issues lump sums when claimants were previously paid less than they were entitled to under the law.
Why the DWP Is Issuing These Payments
Disabled households often face higher unavoidable costs, including:
- Increased energy usage
- Mobility equipment
- Specialist transport
- Care and support needs
Where assessment delays or decision errors occur, arrears are paid to ensure claimants receive their full entitlement. The £560 amount typically reflects several weeks of difference between two award levels.
This is a correction mechanism within existing legislation — not a temporary Treasury bonus or emergency scheme.
Who May Receive Around £560?
Eligibility depends entirely on individual circumstances.
You may receive a payment of around £560 if you are on:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit with Limited Capability for Work (LCW) or LCWRA
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Attendance Allowance
Payments are most common where:
- Your health condition worsened and you reported it
- You moved from standard to enhanced rate
- You were placed in the wrong work capability group
- You won an appeal against a previous decision
- A DWP underpayment review identified errors
Not everyone receiving disability benefits will get this amount.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and the £560 Arrears
Under Personal Independence Payment, claimants can receive:
- Standard or enhanced daily living rate
- Standard or enhanced mobility rate
If a reassessment increases your award, the DWP backdates the difference to the date the change should have applied.
For example, moving from standard to enhanced daily living can result in arrears adding up to several hundred pounds over a few months — often around £560 depending on timing.
Payments are automatic once the decision is made.
Universal Credit and ESA Corrections
For Universal Credit, claimants placed in the wrong work capability category may receive backdated Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) elements.
Similarly, some ESA claimants have received arrears after historic underpayment reviews.
In these cases, the £560 figure represents unpaid entitlement — not an additional grant.
Do You Need to Apply?
In most cases, no separate application is required.
The DWP issues payments automatically once:
- A reassessment decision is finalised
- An appeal is upheld
- A review identifies underpayment
- A health change is accepted
However, claimants must ensure:
- Medical evidence is up to date
- Changes in condition are reported promptly
- Contact details and bank information are correct
Failure to report changes can delay entitlement.
When Will the £560 Be Paid?
Payment timing varies by case.
Typically:
- Arrears are paid within 2–6 weeks of a final decision
- The money goes into the same bank account as regular benefits
- The reference may match your usual benefit description
Some claimants receive payment before their official letter arrives.
Will This Affect Other Benefits?
Generally, disability arrears:
- Do not count as income for Universal Credit
- Do not reduce Housing Benefit
- Do not reduce Council Tax Reduction
However, if large arrears remain in your account and push total savings above £6,000 (or £16,000 for UC eligibility), capital rules may eventually apply.
Most arrears are disregarded for a set period, giving claimants time to use the funds appropriately.
How This Compares to Previous DWP Practice
The DWP has previously conducted large-scale underpayment reviews in ESA and other legacy benefits, leading to arrears payments worth thousands of pounds in some cases.
The current £560 payments are part of normal reassessment and correction processes rather than a new nationwide review.
What Claimants Should Do Next
If you believe you may be entitled:
- Check your latest decision letter.
- Review your Universal Credit journal (if applicable).
- Contact the relevant DWP helpline listed on GOV.UK.
- Seek advice from Citizens Advice or a welfare rights adviser.
Always report any worsening of your condition promptly via official GOV.UK channels.
There is no need to apply for a “£560 grant”.
FAQ
Is the £560 disability payment confirmed by DWP?
Yes. It reflects confirmed arrears or entitlement corrections processed by the DWP under existing disability benefit rules.
Who qualifies for the £560 payment?
Only claimants whose award increased, was corrected, or was backdated after review, reassessment or appeal.
When will the payment be made?
Usually within 2–6 weeks of a final benefit decision. It is paid directly into your regular benefit bank account.
Do I need to apply for the £560?
No. Payments are automatic once eligibility is confirmed.
Will this affect my Universal Credit?
Generally no. Arrears do not count as income, though capital rules may apply if savings rise above limits.
Is this a new cost-of-living payment?
No. It is not a new scheme. It is a backdated entitlement under existing rules.
How do I check if I’m eligible?
Check your latest award notice, Universal Credit journal, or contact DWP via GOV.UK.