DWP £100 Bonus per Week from April 2025: Good news for workers on low income in the UK! The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced an important rule change that could leave some workers £100 better off per week. This change is aimed at people who are on benefits but still working and need Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).
Let’s break down what’s changing, who will benefit, and how it could impact thousands of UK workers.
What’s Changing with Sick Pay?
Starting April, new rules will apply to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). Under the new system:
- Workers will receive either 80% of their average weekly earnings or £118.75 per week—whichever is lower.
- This replaces the current system, where workers must earn at least the Lower Earnings Limit (LEL) of £123 per week to qualify for SSP.
Now, even workers earning below the LEL will be eligible—helping up to 1.3 million low earners who previously missed out on support when they fell ill.
How Will This Help Workers?
By removing the LEL requirement, the government is extending sick pay to more people—especially part-time workers, zero-hour contract workers, and those on low wages. Many of these people also receive Universal Credit or PIP and often struggle when illness prevents them from working.
This change could mean an extra £100 per week for some of the lowest earners who would otherwise receive little or no sick pay.
Why Is This Happening Now?
The move comes alongside £5 billion cuts to Universal Credit and PIP, so the government is under pressure to improve income support in other areas. A recent six-week public consultation received over 1,700 responses, including input from workers, unions, employers, and charities.
The reform is also part of the wider Employment Rights Bill, which aims to give workers better protections, especially when it comes to job security and fair pay.
Support from Trade Unions
TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak welcomed the change, saying:
“Nobody should face financial hardship just because they’re unwell. These reforms will stop millions from falling off a financial cliff when they get sick.”
He added that sick pay from day one and access to support without meeting minimum earnings will help families stay stable during illness and allow people to recover without stress.
Other Government Employment Plans
Along with the sick pay changes, the government has also released plans to:
- Address ‘fire and rehire’ practices
- Improve rules around zero-hour contracts
- Tackle non-compliance in umbrella companies
- Update industrial relations laws to suit modern workplaces
This rule change by the DWP is a positive step for low-income workers who are most vulnerable when sickness strikes. By removing barriers to sick pay and offering earlier support, the government is helping more people stay financially secure while they recover.
If you’re working on low pay and receive benefits, it’s worth checking your new rights to Statutory Sick Pay starting April. Even a small illness won’t mean a big financial burden anymore.
FAQ’s
Who benefits from the new DWP sick pay rule?
Low-income workers on benefits, especially those who earn less than the current Lower Earnings Limit of £123 per week, will now qualify for sick pay.
How much will people get under the new rule?
Eligible workers will receive either £118.75 per week or 80% of their average earnings—whichever is lower.
When does the new sick pay rule come into effect?
The updated Statutory Sick Pay rule will apply from April 2025 onwards.
Will this affect Universal Credit or PIP?
While Universal Credit and PIP are facing budget cuts, this new SSP rule is separate and provides additional support for workers who become ill.
What other changes are included in the Employment Rights Bill?
The bill also covers issues like fire and rehire, zero-hour contracts, umbrella company practices, and modernising industrial relations.
