THE DWP is the UK Government's Department for Work and Pensions. It is responsible for welfare, pensions, and child maintenance policy.
People struggling with the cost of living can claim benefits form the DWP for support, even if they work, have savings, or own a home.
Read on for all the latest DWP news, interviews and updates on all things benefits.
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What benefits can I claim?
Use a benefits calculator or talk to an adviser to accurately understand your benefits entitlements.
What benefits are devolved to Scotland?
Some benefits are devolved to Scotland, but most remain reserved to the UK Government.
Devolved benefits (handled by the Scottish Government through Social Security Scotland) include:
- Adult Disability Payment – replaces Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in Scotland.
- Child Disability Payment – replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children.
- Carer Support Payment – replacing Carer’s Allowance gradually.
- Best Start Grant – includes three payments (Pregnancy and Baby, Early Learning, and School Age).
- Best Start Foods – helps with the cost of healthy food during pregnancy and early childhood.
- Scottish Child Payment – regular payment to low-income families with children.
- Funeral Support Payment – contributes towards funeral costs for those on certain benefits.
Reserved benefits (still managed by the DWP) include:
- Universal Credit
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support
- Housing Benefit
- Bereavement benefits
Labour's DWP cuts
The new Labour Government has cut several benefits since taking power in 2024. The Winter Fuel Payment, which had been universal, was first on the chopping block. Labour made it means-tested, sparking outcry from charities and campaigners who warned it would cost lives.
DWP Secretary Liz Kendall later outlined sweeping cuts to disability benefits which she claimed would total £5bn. However, independent estimates said it would not save as much, leading Labour to also cut back the health element of Universal Credit.
PIP changes
Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are paid to millions of people with disabilities to support them with extra living costs.
People receiving the PIP benefit will see their payments frozen next year as the government wants to make it tougher to claim PIP, which is not linked to work.
This includes a freeze on payments, meaning they won't increase with inflation.
Child benefit increase
Child Benefit payments will increase from April 7.
Parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child and £17.25 per week for each additional child.
This equates to £1354.60 and £897 annually, respectively.
Child Benefit is typically paid every four weeks and is automatically credited to a bank account.
There is no limit to the number of children for which parents can claim.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
People with a disability or health condition that affects how much they can work are eligible to apply for an Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
In March, Liz Kendall said cuts to the DWP will include changes to the ESA.
The ESA and Jobseekers' Allowance (JSA) could soon be merged into a new 'time-limited' unemployment insurance.
This will be paid at a higher rate, without claimants having to prove they cannot work to get it, Kendall has said.
Contact DWP
All benefit queries can be checked on the official Department for Work and Pensions website.
