Severe Disablement Allowance

Severe Disablement Allowance (SDA) was a United Kingdom state benefit intended for those below the state pension age who cannot work because of illness or disability. It was replaced by Incapacity Benefit in April 2001, which itself was replaced by Employment and Support Allowance. However, although it is no longer possible to make a claim for SDA, individuals who are already receiving the benefit have continued to do so. The benefit is administered by Jobcentre Plus (an executive agency of the Department for Work and Pensions).

Eligibility

An individual could have been eligible for Severe Disablement Allowance if:

• they were assessed as being at least 80 per cent disabled and:
  • they were incapable of work because of illness or disability for at least 28 weeks in a row
  • they were between 16 and 64 years old

It was also possible for claimants of Severe Disablement Allowance to receive a 'top-up' of Income Support payments before that benefit was discontinued. SDA is now being withdrawn and those claimants are being asked to claim ESA instead which requires a fresh application for benefit.

Benefit conditions are complicated and advice should be sought from Jobcentre Plus, Citizens Advice Bureau or a Welfare Rights Organisation.

External links

• Government Website for SDA
• Directgov factsheet about Severe Disablement Allowance (1)
• Directgov factsheet about Severe Disablement Allowance (2)
• Patient UK leaflet about Severe Disablement Allowance
• Severe Disablement Allowance information at DWP
• Social Security Agency information about Severe Disablement Allowance

State benefits in the United Kingdom
Current	Income assistance Working age Working Tax Credit Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) Income Support Carer's Allowance Employment and Support Allowance Flexible Support Fund (FSF) Old age State Pension Pension Credit Disability relief Disability Living Allowance Personal Independence Payment Attendance Allowance Child support Child Benefit Child Maintenance Child Tax Credit Combination Universal Credit Other Bereavement Benefit Housing Benefit
Ambiguous	Education Maintenance Allowance (abolished in England only)
Former	Council Tax Benefit Incapacity Benefit National Assistance Severe Disablement Allowance Supplementary Benefit Invalidity Benefit Sickness Benefit