Main disability benefits in England
There are several disability benefits available in England, each designed to support different needs and circumstances. The main benefits are Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), and Attendance Allowance. Your entitlement to these benefits, and the amount you receive, is based on an assessment of how your condition affects your daily life and mobility, not on the condition itself.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
PIP helps with the extra costs of a long-term health condition or disability for those aged between 16 and State Pension age. It is not means-tested, so your income and savings do not affect eligibility. PIP has two components, and you can be eligible for one or both:
- Daily Living Component: For help with everyday tasks, such as preparing food, washing, or making decisions about money.
- Mobility Component: For help with getting around, including planning journeys or moving outdoors.
For 2025/26, the weekly rates for PIP are:
- Daily Living: Standard rate (£73.90), Enhanced rate (£110.40).
- Mobility: Standard rate (£29.20), Enhanced rate (£77.05).
This means a person could receive anywhere from £29.20 (standard mobility) to £187.45 (enhanced daily living and mobility) per week.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
ESA provides financial support if you are unable to work due to illness or disability. The amount you get depends on your age and whether you're in the assessment or main phase of your claim.
- Assessment Phase (first 13 weeks): Weekly rates are up to £72.90 for those under 25 and up to £92.05 for those 25 or over.
- Main Phase: After an assessment, you are placed into one of two groups and receive a component on top of the basic allowance.
- Work-Related Activity Group: For those who can improve their condition with support. You receive up to £92.05 a week.
- Support Group: For those unable to work. You receive up to £140.55 a week.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs for those who have reached State Pension age and need supervision or help with personal care. It is paid at one of two rates, depending on the level of care required.
- Lower Rate (£73.90 per week): If you need frequent help or supervision either during the day or night.
- Higher Rate (£110.40 per week): If you need frequent help or supervision both during the day and night.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children
New claims for DLA are only available for children under 16. The payment is not means-tested and consists of care and mobility components, with weekly rates similar to PIP.
Comparison of disability benefit rates (2025/26)
| Benefit | Component/Phase | Weekly Rate (2025/26) | Eligibility Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | Daily Living (Standard) | £73.90 | Working age (16 to State Pension age) |
| Daily Living (Enhanced) | £110.40 | Not means-tested | |
| Mobility (Standard) | £29.20 | Based on how a condition affects you | |
| Mobility (Enhanced) | £77.05 | Maximum combined weekly rate is £187.45 | |
| Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) | Assessment Phase (under 25) | Up to £72.90 | Based on National Insurance contributions |
| Assessment Phase (25+) | Up to £92.05 | Means-tested for income-related ESA | |
| Main Phase (Work-Related Group) | Up to £92.05 | Support to prepare for a return to work | |
| Main Phase (Support Group) | Up to £140.55 | Higher rate for those unable to work | |
| Attendance Allowance | Lower Rate | £73.90 | State Pension age and older |
| Higher Rate | £110.40 | For care and supervision needs |
How to get paid for disability in England
To receive disability benefits, you must first check your eligibility for the relevant benefit on the GOV.UK website or via Citizens Advice. The process typically involves an initial phone call or application form, followed by an assessment of your needs, which may include a face-to-face appointment.
Payments for benefits like PIP and Attendance Allowance are typically made every four weeks, directly into your bank account. ESA is usually paid every two weeks. For means-tested benefits like Universal Credit, disability amounts are included in your monthly payment.
For more in-depth guidance on eligibility and the application process for these benefits, visit the official government website: www.gov.uk/browse/disabilities.
Conclusion
The amount of disability benefit you receive in England is not a single, fixed sum but depends on which specific benefits you are entitled to, such as PIP or ESA, and at what rate. The rates are updated annually, with the figures for the 2025/26 financial year seeing a small increase. The assessment process focuses on how a condition affects your daily life, not the condition itself, ensuring support is tailored to individual needs. Individuals can often claim multiple benefits, and it is recommended to use an online benefits calculator or seek advice to ensure all potential support is claimed.
