What It Is and How to Claim

If you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work, Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) could help you. ESA provides financial support if you’re not well enough to work, and also offers help to prepare for work if and when you’re ready.

You can claim ESA if you are:

  • Employed.
  • Self-employed.
  • Unemployed.

You do not need to be actively job-seeking to qualify.

The Two Types of ESA

New Style ESA

  • Available if you’ve paid enough National Insurance contributions (usually in the last 2–3 years).
  • You may be able to claim it on its own or alongside Universal Credit.

Legacy (Income-related) ESA

    • This older form of ESA is being replaced by Universal Credit.
    • You can’t make a new claim for income-related ESA unless you’re already receiving it.

    What You’ll Get

    How much you receive depends on:

    Typical payment stages:

    • First 13 weeks (assessment phase): between £67.20 and £84.80 per week

    After assessment:

    • Work-Related Activity Group (WRAG): around £84.80 per week.
    • Support Group: up to £129.50 per week, if your condition severely limits your ability to work.

    You may receive more if you qualify for disability premiums or receive Universal Credit alongside ESA. Payments are made directly into your bank account every 2 weeks.

    The Work Capability Assessment

    To stay on ESA long-term, you’ll usually need to go through a Work Capability Assessment. This looks at how your condition affects your ability to work, not just your diagnosis.

    You’ll be asked to:

    • Fill out a health questionnaire.
    • Provide medical evidence.
    • Possibly attend a medical assessment.

    The outcome decides:

    • Whether you qualify for ongoing ESA.
    • Whether you’re placed in the Support Group (no work expectations) or Work-Related Activity Group (some preparation for future work).

    The DWP will write to you with their decision. If you disagree, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month.

    Can You Work and Still Get ESA?

    Yes, under the ‘permitted work’ rules, you can work part-time while still receiving ESA if:

    • You earn up to £167 per week (2025 rate).
    • You work fewer than 16 hours per week.

    You must report any work you do to the DWP.

    ESA and Universal Credit

    If you’re making a new claim for benefits, you may be told to apply for Universal Credit instead, especially if you need help with:

    • Paying your rent.
    • Costs related to raising children: for example, support with childcare costs or additional financial help if you are responsible for a child.
    • General household living costs.

    You might be able to get both ESA and Universal Credit, but any ESA you receive will be treated as income and will reduce the amount of UC you’re entitled to.

    How to Apply

    You can apply for New Style ESA:

    You’ll need:

    • Your National Insurance number.
    • A fit note (also known as a sick note or statement of fitness for work) from your GP.
    • Details of your income and work history.

    If you live in Scotland, ESA is still administered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), not by Social Security Scotland.

    Reporting Changes

    Let the DWP know if:

    • Your health improves or worsens.
    • You start or stop work.
    • You go to the hospital or move house.

    For existing claims, call the ESA helpline: 0800 169 0310

    In Summary

    • ESA supports people who can’t work due to illness or disability.
    • You can work part-time and still get it (within limits).
    • You may also qualify for Universal Credit, PIP, or Carer’s Allowance.
    • A Work Capability Assessment is usually required.
    • Payments are made every 2 weeks.

    Need Help?

    For free advice and help applying:

    Don’t Forget

    If you’re receiving ESA or other benefits, you may also qualify for free energy-saving improvements through ECO4 or the Great British Insulation Scheme. These government-funded programmes are designed to support people with low incomes or health conditions by:

    • Improving home insulation and heating.
    • Reducing energy bills.
    • Creating warmer, healthier living spaces.

    You can check your eligibility here, it’s quick, easy, and could make a real difference to your comfort and finances.