Employment Support Allowance (ESA) Explained

ESA is a payment for people whose health limits their capacity to work. It's worth up to £75.65 a week if you're under 25 or £95.55 if you're 25 or over during the first 13 weeks, then up to £95.55 in the work-related activity group or £145.90 in the support group.

New Style ESA is the route in now. You can't make a new claim for income-related ESA, though existing awards continue while people remain eligible.

Which group you end up in comes out of a Work Capability Assessment. The support group pays more and carries no work-related requirements. The work-related activity group pays less and expects you to take steps towards work in future.

Because New Style ESA depends on your National Insurance record rather than your income, savings and a working partner don't affect it.

Who is eligible?

You need to be under State Pension age with a health condition or disability that affects your ability to work, and you need enough National Insurance contributions in the relevant tax years. Time in the armed forces counts towards that record.

If your health was affected by service, that doesn't change how you claim — this is a DWP benefit, and it's separate from any compensation claim through Veterans UK. You can hold both.

You can't get ESA at the same time as Statutory Sick Pay, so if you're still employed and receiving SSP, that comes first.

What benefits does this provide?

  • Assessment phase (first 13 weeks): up to £75.65 a week if you are under 25, or £95.55 if you are 25 or over.

  • After the assessment: up to £95.55 a week in the work-related activity group, or £145.90 in the support group.

  • New Style ESA is the route in: You cannot make a new claim for income-related ESA. Existing income-related awards continue while you remain eligible.

  • Financial Support: ESA provides regular financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to illness or disability, ensuring a stable income during challenging times.

  • Work-Related Activity: For those in the Work-Related Activity Group, ESA offers personalised support to help prepare for future employment, including access to training and work-focused interviews.

  • Support Group Benefits: Individuals in the Support Group receive higher payments and are not required to engage in work-related activities, allowing them to focus on their health and well-being.

  • Health and Disability Support: ESA recipients may also qualify for additional health-related benefits, such as free prescriptions and help with travel costs for medical appointments.

  • Opens up other help: An ESA award can qualify you for council tax reduction and, in the two remaining cases, Housing Benefit.

How do I apply?

  • Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria for ESA, such as having a disability or health condition that affects your ability to work.
  • Gather Necessary Information: Prepare personal details, National Insurance number, medical certificates, and bank account information.
  • Choose Application Method: Decide whether to apply online, by phone, or by post.
  • Apply Online: Visit the official UK government website and complete the ESA application form.
  • Apply by Phone: Call the ESA helpline to apply over the phone. Have your information ready.
  • Apply by Post: Request a paper form by calling the helpline, fill it out, and return it to the address provided.
  • Attend a Work Capability Assessment: If required, attend an assessment to determine your ability to work.
  • Receive Decision: Await a decision on your application, which will be communicated by letter.

Common questions

How much is Employment and Support Allowance a week?

Up to £75.65 if you are under 25 or £95.55 if you are 25 or over for the first 13 weeks, then up to £95.55 in the work-related activity group or £145.90 in the support group.

How much more is the ESA support group worth?

£145.90 a week against £95.55 in the work-related activity group, and the support group carries no work-related activity requirements.

Can you still claim income-related ESA?

No. New claims for income-related ESA are closed and New Style ESA is the route in. Existing income-related awards continue while you remain eligible.

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