Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

When a physical or mental health condition makes it difficult or impossible to carry out your job, taking time to look after your health is essential. New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is a fortnightly benefit paid to individuals whose capability for work is limited by illness, injury, or disability. New Style ESA is a contribution-based benefit, meaning eligibility depends on your National Insurance payment record rather than household income or savings. You can claim New Style ESA on its own or alongside Universal Credit.

Eligibility and National Insurance Requirements

To qualify for New Style Employment and Support Allowance, you must satisfy the following conditions:

• You must be under State Pension age.
• You must have worked as an employee or as self-employed and paid or been credited with sufficient Class 1 or Class 2 National Insurance contributions in the last two relevant tax years.
• You must not be receiving Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from an employer, though you can apply up to 3 months before your SSP ends.

Because New Style ESA is non-means-tested, any savings or partner earnings you have will not reduce your payments. However, receiving an occupational or personal pension over £85 per week may affect the amount you receive.

ESA Payment Rates for 2026/27

When you apply for ESA, your claim passes through two distinct stages:

1. The Assessment Phase (First 13 Weeks) During the initial 13 weeks of your claim, you receive the standard assessment rate while your capability for work is evaluated:

• Single claimant aged under 25: Up to £77.52 per week.
• Single claimant aged 25 or over: Up to £95.55 per week.

2. The Main Phase (After Assessment) Once your assessment is complete, you will be placed into one of two groups with updated weekly rates for 2026/27:

• Work-Related Activity Group: Up to £95.55 per week. You will attend regular meetings with a Work Coach to prepare for a return to work when your health improves (such as updating your CV or training).
• Support Group: Up to £144.65 per week. If your condition severely limits your ability to work, you are placed in this group. You do not have to take part in work-related activities, and payments can continue for as long as you remain eligible.

The Work Capability Assessment (WCA)

To determine which group you belong to, you will complete a Work Capability Assessment. You will be sent an ESA50 questionnaire asking how your condition affects your daily physical and mental activities. You will also be asked to provide medical evidence, such as a doctor's fit note or hospital reports. In most cases, you will attend a consultation with a healthcare professional who will write a report for the DWP.

Permitted Work Rules

While receiving ESA, you are allowed to undertake a limited amount of work to help keep your skills fresh or ease back into employment. Under the Permitted Work rules, you can work up to 16 hours per week and earn up to £192 per week without your ESA payments being reduced. You must inform the DWP before starting any permitted work.

How to Apply for ESA

You can submit an application for New Style ESA online via GOV.UK at gov.uk/employment-support-allowance. If you are unable to apply online, you can call the DWP helpline on 0800 055 6688 (textphone: 0800 023 4888).

If your application is declined, you can ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration within 1 month of the decision letter. For independent guidance and support with forms, visit Citizens Advice at citizensadvice.org.uk.