Employment and Support Allowance, often known as ESA, is a benefit that provides financial support to people whose ability to work is affected by an illness, disability or long term health condition. It also offers personalised support to help people prepare for work if and when they are able to do so.
Many people are unsure whether ESA still exists because Universal Credit has replaced some benefits in many areas. However, Employment and Support Allowance is still available in certain circumstances, particularly for people claiming New Style Employment and Support Allowance based on National Insurance contributions.
Understanding how ESA works can help you decide whether you may qualify and whether you should apply for ESA, Universal Credit or both.
Employment and Support Allowance is a UK benefit for people who cannot work, or can only work limited hours, because of a health condition or disability. There are different types of ESA, with New Style Employment and Support Allowance being the main form available for new claims. Eligibility depends on your National Insurance contribution record and your ability to work, which is assessed through a Work Capability Assessment. Some people can receive ESA alongside Universal Credit.
Employment and Support Allowance is designed to give financial security to people whose health prevents them from earning a regular income.
It recognises that illness or disability can make employment difficult while also providing appropriate support for those who may return to work in the future.
ESA has two main purposes.
Unlike some other benefits, New Style ESA is not means tested, meaning your savings and your partner’s income generally do not affect your entitlement.
There are two main forms you may hear about.
| Type | Available for new claims? | Based on |
| ——— | ——— |
| New Style Employment and Support Allowance | Yes | National Insurance contributions |
| Income related Employment and Support Allowance | Usually no for new claims except limited transitional cases | Household income and savings |
Most new applicants now claim New Style ESA.
You may qualify if you meet several conditions.
Generally you must:
People with physical illnesses, mental health conditions, long term injuries or chronic medical conditions may all be eligible if their condition significantly limits their ability to work.
Some people may not qualify.
Examples include:
If you do not qualify for ESA, Universal Credit may still provide financial support depending on your circumstances.
Yes.
Most applicants begin by submitting a fit note from their GP or another approved healthcare professional.
This confirms that your health condition affects your ability to work.
The Work Capability Assessment is used to decide how your health condition affects your ability to work.
The assessment considers:
Following the assessment, you will usually be placed into one of two groups.
| Assessment Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Work Related Activity Group equivalent arrangements | May prepare for future work with support |
| Support Group | Not expected to prepare for work because of severe health limitations |
People placed in the Support Group generally receive additional financial support.
One of the biggest advantages of New Style Employment and Support Allowance is that it is not based on household income.
This means:
However, earnings from work can affect your entitlement depending on how much you work.
Permitted work rules may allow limited work while still receiving ESA.
For New Style Employment and Support Allowance there is normally no savings limit.
This means someone with savings may still qualify if they satisfy the National Insurance contribution rules and the medical assessment.
This differs significantly from many other benefits that assess capital.
| Benefit | Savings considered? |
| New Style Employment and Support Allowance | Usually no |
| Universal Credit | Yes in many cases |
| Pension Credit | Yes in some circumstances |
Payment rates change periodically, usually every April.
The exact amount depends on factors including:
During the assessment phase you receive one rate.
Following the Work Capability Assessment your payments may change depending on which group you are placed into.
Always check the latest Government payment rates before relying on any figures because benefit amounts are reviewed regularly.
The length of payment depends on your circumstances.
Some people receive ESA for a limited period.
Others, particularly those in the Support Group, may continue receiving payments while they remain eligible.
Your entitlement may be reviewed periodically.
Yes.
Some people may undertake permitted work.
Permitted work allows limited employment while continuing to receive ESA, provided the work falls within the permitted rules regarding hours and earnings.
Working without informing the Department for Work and Pensions could result in overpayments or benefit investigations.
Applying is relatively straightforward.
Check whether New Style Employment and Support Allowance is appropriate for your circumstances.
Gather your information.
This may include:
Submit your application.
Applications can normally be made online or by telephone depending on your circumstances.
Provide your fit note.
Medical evidence is required while your application is assessed.
Attend your Work Capability Assessment if requested.
Receive your decision.
If successful you will receive confirmation of your award and payment schedule.
Preparing your documents in advance can make the application process smoother.
Typical documents include:
Providing complete information reduces delays.
Many applicants worry about this stage.
The assessment focuses on how your condition affects everyday activities rather than simply identifying your medical diagnosis.
Healthcare professionals may ask about:
Being honest and providing clear examples helps ensure an accurate assessment.
You must tell the Department for Work and Pensions if significant changes occur.
Examples include:
Reporting changes promptly helps avoid overpayments.
Many delays occur because applicants overlook important details.
Common mistakes include:
Taking time to prepare thoroughly can improve your experience.
Sarah develops severe rheumatoid arthritis.
She has paid sufficient National Insurance contributions over many years but can no longer continue her office job.
She applies for New Style Employment and Support Allowance, provides medical evidence and is later placed into the Support Group after her assessment.
Michael experiences severe depression and anxiety.
His GP provides a fit note confirming that his condition prevents him from working.
After completing the assessment process he qualifies for ESA and receives ongoing support while focusing on treatment.
Emma receives Universal Credit but also qualifies for New Style Employment and Support Allowance because of her previous National Insurance contributions.
She receives ESA while Universal Credit adjusts to reflect the additional benefit.
Yes.
If you disagree with a decision you can ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration.
If you still disagree after the reconsideration, you may appeal to an independent tribunal.
Many decisions are successfully changed when additional medical evidence is provided.
Do not ignore time limits for requesting reviews.
Employment and Support Allowance is only one part of the UK benefits system.
Depending on your circumstances you may also qualify for:
Many people receive more than one type of support.
The following official resources provide the latest information.
Always use official Government guidance when checking current payment rates or policy changes.
This guide has been written using current publicly available UK Government guidance relating to Employment and Support Allowance, Work Capability Assessments and Department for Work and Pensions procedures.
Benefit rules, payment rates and eligibility requirements can change.
Readers should always confirm the latest information through official Government sources before making financial decisions or submitting a benefit claim.
Employment and Support Allowance is a benefit for people whose illness or disability limits their ability to work.
New Style Employment and Support Allowance is generally not means tested and is based mainly on National Insurance contributions.
Yes. Some people qualify for both depending on their circumstances.
Savings do not usually affect New Style Employment and Support Allowance.
Most applicants need a fit note and may also provide supporting medical reports.
Most applicants complete a Work Capability Assessment unless exempt.
Yes. Limited permitted work may be allowed under specific rules.
You should inform the Department for Work and Pensions because your entitlement may change.
Yes. You can request a Mandatory Reconsideration and, if necessary, appeal to an independent tribunal.
Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances, medical evidence and assessment availability.
ESA can be taxable depending on the type of ESA you receive and your overall taxable income.
Your entitlement to ESA normally ends when you reach State Pension age, although other benefits may become available.
Employment and Support Allowance continues to play an important role in supporting people whose health affects their ability to work. Although the benefits system has changed significantly with the introduction of Universal Credit, New Style Employment and Support Allowance remains available for many people who have built up sufficient National Insurance contributions.
Understanding who qualifies, how the Work Capability Assessment operates, what documents are required and how payments work can help you make informed decisions and reduce unnecessary delays during the application process.
If you think you may be entitled to Employment and Support Allowance, take time to gather your medical evidence, understand the eligibility criteria and seek independent advice if you are unsure about your circumstances.
Benefits Advice UK provides free information to help people better understand the UK benefits system. Always check the latest Government guidance before making financial decisions.
Information on this site is based on official UK guidance.
About our information and sources
Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates when there are changes to Universal Credit.