Overview

• The DWP’s disability premium scheme automatically adds three levels of extra payments—standard, severe and enhanced—to eligible benefit claims without a formal application.
• Standard premiums provide £43.20 weekly for individuals and £61.65 for couples who are under pension credit age and receiving benefits such as DLA, PIP, ADP or AFIP.
• Severe premiums are available to those on the disability premium or income-related ESA plus specific care components and pay up to £89.20 weekly for singles and £165.80 for fully eligible couples.
• Combined standard and severe premiums can deliver over £227 a week—just over £909 a month—for couples where both partners qualify.
• Only a defined list of benefits including JSA, ESA, housing benefit, tax credits and war pensions qualify for premiums, so the DWP advises disabled claimants to check their awards.