If you’re living with a long-term illness or disability, then you know just how fast costs can pile up—prescriptions, hospital trips, mobility equipment, home care—it all adds up. Thankfully, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is offering a one-off payment of £749 to ease the financial burden for people living with certain health conditions.
But this isn’t handed out to everyone automatically. So, let’s break it down—what this payment is, who can get it, and how to apply.
Purpose
Let’s get one thing straight: this £749 is not a new benefit. It’s a top-up payment tied to Personal Independence Payment (PIP)—a benefit already helping people who struggle with daily activities due to health or mobility issues.
The aim? To ease financial pressure for people dealing with serious, ongoing conditions. Think of it as a cushion to help with the extra costs your health throws your way.
Conditions
The DWP uses a list of 27 medical conditions to determine who might be eligible. But here’s the catch—just having a condition on the list isn’t enough. It’s all about how your illness affects your everyday life.
Here’s a breakdown of the types of conditions:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Respiratory Conditions | Asthma, COPD, Pulmonary Fibrosis |
| Neurological Disorders | Epilepsy |
| Chronic Illnesses | Sarcoidosis, Pneumonia |
| Occupational Diseases | Asbestosis, Silicosis |
| Organ Transplants | Heart or Lung Transplants |
So, if your condition makes things like washing, dressing, or moving around difficult, you may qualify.
PIP
To get the £749 payment, you must already be receiving or applying for PIP. It’s designed for people who:
- Have a long-term physical or mental health issue
- Struggle with daily activities or mobility
PIP has two components—Daily Living and Mobility—and each has two payment levels:
| Component | Standard Rate | Enhanced Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Living | £61.85 | £110.40 |
| Mobility | £24.45 | £64.50 |
The people most likely to get the £749 are those who qualify for both enhanced components.
Process
Applying for PIP (and eventually the £749) takes a few steps, but it’s manageable. Here’s how:
- Check Your Condition
Even if your condition isn’t on the list, you might still qualify if it affects you similarly. - Gather Medical Evidence
Hospital letters, test results, prescriptions, or even therapist notes can help. - Start the Application
Visit gov.uk/pip or call the PIP helpline to begin. Fill out the form carefully. - Attend an Assessment
This is usually done in-person or over the phone. A health professional will ask about how your condition affects your daily life. - Wait for the Outcome
If your application is successful and you’re awarded enhanced rates, you might receive the one-off £749 payment.
Timing
Some people noticed they were paid a bit early—why? Well, Bank Holidays, especially in May, can shift payment dates forward. If your payment date landed around May 26, for example, you may have seen money in your account by May 23.
Example
Take John, for example. He’s 63 and has COPD. He applied for PIP, submitted his medical records, and was awarded both enhanced rates. Because of this, he received the £749 payment.
He used it to buy a walker, pay for hospital transport, and arrange part-time care. In his words, “It took a load off my shoulders.”
Extras
Getting PIP can also open doors to other benefits, including:
- DLA (for children under 16)
- ESA (for those unable to work)
- Universal Credit top-ups
- Council Tax Reductions
Check with Citizens Advice or your local council—you might be missing out on even more support.
Support
Worried about the paperwork or unsure where to start? You’re not alone. Here’s where to turn:
- Citizens Advice – Free help with forms and appeals
- Disability Rights UK – Guidance and advice
- Local Welfare Advisors – Usually based in community centres or through your council
So, if you’re living with a disability or long-term illness, don’t suffer in silence. This payment is meant to give you some breathing room—whether it’s to buy food, pay for heating, or just improve your quality of life. Take the first step, gather your paperwork, and get the support you deserve. You’ve earned it.
FAQs
Who gets the £749 payment?
Only those on PIP with high-level needs may qualify.
Is the £749 payment automatic?
No, it’s awarded based on your PIP assessment.
How do I apply for PIP?
Apply online at gov.uk or call the PIP helpline.
What conditions qualify for PIP?
27 serious conditions like COPD, epilepsy, asbestosis, etc.
Can children get this payment?
No, but children may qualify for DLA instead.
