If you’ve been claiming benefits in the UK, you might be eligible for a big payout from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). As per recent news, DWP could be paying backdated benefits worth up to £12,000 to thousands of people. This is related to a mistake in benefit payments going back several years.
Let’s break down what’s happening, who is eligible, and how you can check if you qualify for this major amount.
Why Is DWP Paying Backdated Benefits?
The DWP discovered a long-standing error involving Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). When some people were moved from older benefits (like Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disability Allowance, or Income Support) to ESA between 2011 and 2014, they were underpaid.
Basically, many of these claimants should have received income-related ESA, but instead, they were wrongly placed on contribution-based ESA, which gives less money and fewer benefits like housing cost support or free prescriptions.
How Much Can You Get?
Depending on your situation, the backdated amount could be anywhere from a few hundred pounds to over £12,000. Some people may even receive more if their claims go back several years.
As of now, over £600 million has already been paid to affected individuals, and DWP is still reviewing some cases.
Who Might Qualify for This Payment?
You might qualify if all the following apply:
- You were moved to ESA between 2011 and 2014
- You were previously on Incapacity Benefit, Income Support, or Severe Disablement Allowance
- You didn’t receive income-based ESA (just contribution-based)
- You were entitled to income-related payments based on your circumstances (low income, housing costs, etc.)
If you’re unsure, don’t worry. DWP has been checking records and contacting eligible people directly. But it’s still a good idea to double-check yourself.
How to Check If You’re Eligible
Here’s what you can do:
- Think back – Were you moved from older benefits to ESA between 2011 and 2014?
- Check your benefit letters – Did it say you were receiving “contribution-based ESA” only?
- Contact DWP – You can call the ESA helpline or write to DWP asking them to review your case.
- Seek advice – Citizens Advice and other support services can guide you if the process is confusing.
Will It Affect My Current Benefits?
No, the backdated payment is a one-time payment and should not affect your current benefit claims. However, it might affect any income-based benefits you are currently receiving, so it’s better to confirm with DWP or a benefits advisor before spending the money.
What If You’ve Already Moved to Universal Credit?
Even if you’ve now switched to Universal Credit, you could still be eligible for a backdated payment. The key factor is whether your ESA from 2011–2014 was underpaid. So, make sure to ask for a review if you think you were affected.
What’s the Deadline?
There is no fixed deadline yet, but the DWP has been working on these cases for a while now. It’s best to take action soon, especially if you think you should have received this money but haven’t heard from them yet.
Final Advice
If you or someone you know was on ESA during the 2011–2014 period, don’t ignore this update. You could be missing out on a life-changing amount of money. Even if you’re not sure, a quick check can help clear things up. Many people who didn’t realise they were affected have already received thousands of pounds.
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