Severe Disablement Allowance

Has Severe Disablement Allowance been replaced by Employment Support Allowance?

Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA) was a benefit you could get if you were too unwell to work, but you can no longer make a new claim for Severe Disablement Allowance. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has replaced Severe Disablement Allowance with Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), but the DWP may continue your claim if you received Severe Disablement Allowance before April 2001.

What is the eligibility criteria for Severe Disablement Allowance?

If you are already receiving Severe Disablement Allowance, then until you are assessed for ESA you will still receive SDA provided that you still meet the eligibility criteria and your circumstances do not change.

When will I be reassessed for Employment and Support Allowance?

We can’t say when the DWP will reassess you for ESA if you claim Severe Disablement Allowance, but the Jobcentre will send you a questionnaire for you to fill in that will ask you about how your disability affects your everyday life.

After you have filled in the questionnaire, the Jobcentre will be in touch regarding if you require a face-to-face Work Capability Assessment. After this, if you are seen as being capable of working your Severe Disablement Allowance will stop. However, if you cannot work, you will automatically be transferred to Employment and Support Allowance.