The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has launched a new financial relief scheme for UK residents hit hard by the cost-of-living crisis. At the heart of this initiative is a modest but meaningful payment of £27 per week, designed to support people navigating temporary or long-term hardship. If you or someone you know is self-employed, working unpaid in a family business, or part of a low-income household, this guide walks you through everything you need to know.
Overview
Let’s start with the basics. The DWP £27 weekly payment isn’t meant to replace your income, but it acts as a financial cushion to help with essential costs like food, transport, and bills. With inflation driving everyday expenses higher, this extra money can go a long way for struggling households.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how it works:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Weekly Payment | £27 |
| Duration | Up to 14 weeks |
| Who Can Apply | Self-employed, unpaid workers, low-income |
| Application Methods | Online, phone, or in-person |
| Documentation Needed | NI Number, income proof, ID, business links |
| Official Info | gov.uk – DWP Benefits section |
Eligibility
So, who can claim this payment? It’s open to a wide group of people, and the DWP has kept the criteria fairly inclusive to make sure help reaches those who need it most.
Self-Employed
If you’re your own boss and have paid Class 2 National Insurance Contributions for 13 of the past 66 weeks, you’re in the clear. Even if you haven’t met that threshold, you may still be eligible for partial payments or can top up your contributions.
Example: Sarah, a freelance designer, faced a work slowdown. She applied and was approved for the full 14 weeks. It gave her breathing room to manage bills and keep her business afloat.
Unpaid Family Workers
Do you work in your partner’s or family’s business without getting paid? If you’re actively involved but not earning wages, the DWP recognises your contribution. You’ll need to prove you help with things like admin or logistics and provide documentation such as role descriptions or business registrations.
Example: Mark manages orders for his wife’s catering service. Though unpaid, his role qualified him for the benefit.
Low-Income Households
If your household earns under £18,000 annually (or £25,000 with dependents), you likely qualify. This applies to part-time workers, people on unpaid leave, or those facing temporary hardship due to illness or job loss.
Example: Tom, a courier, had to stop working due to injury. With reduced income, his family met the criteria and received the weekly benefit for eight weeks.
How to Apply
The DWP has made applying as simple as possible. You can do it in three ways:
- Online: Visit gov.uk and search for “£27 DWP weekly payment”. Fill out the application form and track it digitally.
- Phone: Call 0800 055 6688 (Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm) for guided help.
- In-Person: Go to your nearest Jobcentre Plus with all your documents. This is great for complex cases or if you need face-to-face advice.
Required Documents
Make sure you have:
- National Insurance Number
- Proof of income or payslips
- Proof of unpaid work or business registration
- ID and proof of address
- Info about dependents (if any)
Tip: Bring everything at once to avoid delays. Call ahead if you’re unsure what to include.
Other Help You May Get
The £27 weekly payment often opens the door to more financial support:
| Benefit Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Universal Credit | Help with housing, food, and more |
| Child Benefit | Up to £24 per child per week |
| Council Tax Reduction | Lower your local tax bill |
| Housing Benefit | Helps cover rent |
| Pension Credit | Income top-up for pensioners |
If you qualify for one, chances are you might be eligible for others too. Don’t miss out—check everything available on the DWP site or ask at your Jobcentre.
Why It Matters
Let’s face it—£27 a week might not sound like a lot. But when groceries, heating, and transport prices have jumped over 10% in a year, that extra cash makes a difference. For many, this payment keeps the lights on or fills the gap between jobs.
Even if you’re unsure about eligibility, apply anyway. The DWP will either approve your application or point you to another benefit. Think of it as a small safety net that can prevent bigger financial problems down the road.
FAQs
Who can get the £27 weekly payment?
Self-employed, unpaid family workers, and low-income households.
How do I apply for the payment?
Online at gov.uk, by phone, or in-person at Jobcentre Plus.
How long is the payment provided for?
Up to 14 weeks depending on your eligibility.
Can unpaid workers qualify for this benefit?
Yes, if they can show active, unpaid involvement in a business.
What documents are needed to apply?
NI number, proof of income, ID, and business-related paperwork.
