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Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) provides financial support for people under State Pension age whose health condition or disability affects their ability to work. New Style ESA is contribution-based — it depends on your National Insurance record rather than your income or savings. This means your savings, partner's income, and other assets do not affect eligibility.

After you claim, you receive an assessment rate while the DWP evaluates your case through a Work Capability Assessment (WCA). The WCA involves completing the ESA50 questionnaire about how your condition affects your ability to carry out everyday tasks, followed by a face-to-face or telephone assessment with a health professional. Based on the outcome, you are placed into one of two groups.

The support group is for people whose health condition means they are not expected to do any work-related activity. The support group rate is up to £86.20 per week. The work-related activity group is for people who may be able to do some work-related activity in the future, with support. You receive the assessment rate of up to £67.20 per week during the initial assessment period.

New Style ESA can be claimed alongside Universal Credit, which is often beneficial. While the ESA payment may reduce your Universal Credit, having both claims provides additional National Insurance credits and protects your contributory record. ESA is particularly important for people who have built up a strong NI record through previous employment.

Maximum amount

Up to £138.20/wk

Means-tested

No

Age group

Working age (16–64)

Processing time

8 to 12 weeks (including Work Capability Assessment)

Key Requirements

  • 1Under State Pension age
  • 2Health condition or disability affecting ability to work
  • 3Sufficient National Insurance contributions (New Style ESA)

How to Apply

  1. 1Call Jobcentre Plus on 0800 328 5644 to make a new claim
  2. 2You can also apply online for New Style ESA if you have enough NI contributions
  3. 3Get fit notes from your GP to cover the assessment period
  4. 4Complete the ESA50 questionnaire about how your condition affects you
  5. 5Attend a Work Capability Assessment

What you may need

  • Medical certificates (fit notes) from your doctor
  • Details of your health condition or disability
  • National Insurance number
  • Bank account details
  • Information about your work history

Helpful tips

  • Keep getting fit notes from your GP — do not let them lapse during your claim
  • On the ESA50 form, describe your worst days and include specific examples
  • New Style ESA can be claimed alongside Universal Credit

Phone

0800 328 5644

Form

ESA50

Official page

GOV.UK →

Evidence You May Need

Essential

Fit notes

Medical certificates from your GP (do not let these lapse)

Essential

Health condition details

List of conditions, when diagnosed, treatments

Essential

Work history

Details of recent employment

Recommended

Medical reports

Hospital letters, specialist reports

Benefits You Could Unlock with Employment & Support Allowance (ESA)

Receiving Employment & Support Allowance (ESA) may make you eligible for additional support. These are sometimes called “passported” or “cascading” benefits — you could qualify automatically or with a simplified application.

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Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

If your health condition affects daily living or mobility, you may also be eligible for PIP

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Universal Credit

New Style ESA can be claimed alongside Universal Credit to top up your income

Related Benefits

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

For working-age adults whose health affects daily living or mobility.

Up to £184.30/wk

Universal Credit

Main means-tested benefit for working-age people on low income.

Varies by circumstance

Housing Benefit

Help with rent for people on low income.

Varies by area

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may be eligible for ESA?
People under State Pension age who have a health condition or disability affecting their ability to work, and who have enough National Insurance contributions for New Style ESA. You need to have paid or been credited with NI contributions in the last 2 to 3 tax years. Both physical and mental health conditions can qualify.
Can I claim ESA alongside Universal Credit?
Yes. New Style ESA can be claimed alongside Universal Credit. The ESA payment may reduce your Universal Credit, but having both provides additional National Insurance credits and can protect your contributory benefit record. This is often the recommended approach if you are eligible for both.
What is the Work Capability Assessment?
The Work Capability Assessment (WCA) evaluates how your condition affects your ability to work. It involves completing the ESA50 questionnaire and usually a face-to-face or telephone assessment with a health professional. The assessor is not a DWP decision-maker — they write a report, and the DWP makes the final decision. You can bring someone for support.
How long does an ESA claim take?
ESA claims typically take 8 to 12 weeks, including the Work Capability Assessment. During this period, you receive the assessment rate of up to £67.20 per week. Once the WCA is complete, you are placed in either the support group or work-related activity group.
What is the difference between the support group and work-related activity group?
The support group is for people whose condition means they are not expected to do any work or work-related activity. You receive up to £86.20/week. The work-related activity group is for people who may be able to do some work-related activity in the future with support. You are not expected to look for work, but may attend occasional interviews with a work coach.
Can I do any work while on ESA?
You can do "permitted work" while receiving ESA — this means earning up to £167.50 per week for up to 16 hours per week. This allows you to try working without automatically losing your ESA. Voluntary work is also allowed without affecting your ESA.

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Important: Benefits Robin is not affiliated with the DWP or UK Government. We provide information and assistance, not legal or financial advice. These are estimates based on your answers. Final decisions are made by the DWP.