Many working-age UK residents may be eligible for a significant £628 monthly payment, courtesy of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
This support is available through Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) when placed into the Support Group. Read on to discover the key eligibility criteria, weekly and monthly rates, and how to check your entitlement.
What Is the £628 Monthly Payment?
The £628 figure comes from the Support Group ESA rate, which pays up to £140.55 per week, equivalent to approximately £628 per month (140.55 × 4.47 weeks)
ESA Eligibility & Payment Breakdown
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must be below State Pension age, have a disability/health condition, paid enough National Insurance contributions, and completed a Work Capability Assessment. |
| Assessment Rate | During the initial assessment (up to 13 weeks): under-25s get £72.90/week; 25+ get £92.05/week. |
| Support Group Rate | Up to £140.55/week after assessent for those unlikely to return to work. |
| Work‑Related Activity | If placed in the Work‑Related Activity Group, you get £92.05/week. |
| Monthly Calculation | £140.55/week × ~4.47 weeks = ~£628/month. (Support Group rate.) |
| NI Credits | Claiming New Style ESA earns you Class 1 National Insurance credits. |
Who Can Claim & How It Works
To be eligible for ESA:
- Be under State Pension age.
- Have a significant disability or health condition impacting work.
- Have sufficient National Insurance contributions.
- Undergo a Work Capability Assessment.
Claim Process:
- You’ll receive an assessment rate (up to £92.05/week for 25+) for around 13 weeks.
- Post-assessment, you’ll be assigned to:
- Support Group: gets £140.55/week (~£628/month).
- Work‑Related Activity Group: gets £92.05/week.
Additional Considerations:
- If you receive more than £85/week from a private pension, half the excess will be deducted from your ESA.
- New Style ESA also gives you Class 1 NI credits, valuable for future State Pension calculations.
Why This £628 Monthly Figure Matters
- The £140.55/week rate significantly helps those unable to work by providing steady income.
- On a monthly basis, this totals to approx. £628, which can substantially ease cost-of-living pressures.
How to Check Your Eligibility
- Use a benefits calculator to get started.
- Apply via the GOV.UK website or call the DWP/Jobcentre Plus to begin the process.
- Prepare for your Work Capability Assessment.
- After assessment, check whether you’re in the Support Group to qualify for the higher rate.
If you’re struggling with a health condition or disability and nearing State Pension age, it’s essential to check your eligibility for New Style ESA.
Being placed in the Support Group grants you up to £140.55 per week—equating to around £628 a month—alongside valuable NI credits. This support could make a meaningful difference in your financial stability—don’t miss out.
FAQs
You must be below State Pension age, have a health condition or disability, have sufficient NI contributions, and be placed in the Support Group after assessment.
During assessment (up to 13 weeks): £72.90/week if under 25; £92.05/week if 25 or older. Post-assessment, the Support Group receives £140.55/week (≈£628/month).
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