[Sticky] Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

If a health condition or disability makes it hard for you to work, ESA can give you a bit of financial support, plus help to get back into work if and when that feels right for you. Most new claims these days are for "new-style" ESA, which is based on your National Insurance record rather than your income or savings.

How much is it? (weekly rates from April 2026)

Main payment

• Under 25: £75.65
• 25 or over: £95.55

In the first 13 weeks (the "assessment phase") you get this basic amount. After that, you have a Work Capability Assessment, which decides which group you're in.

After the assessment

• Support group: basic rate plus £50.35, so up to £145.90 a week for the over-25s. This is for people whose condition limits their ability to work so much that they aren't expected to look for work.
• Work-related activity group: basic rate only. If your claim started on or after 3 April 2017, you don't get an extra amount in this group (the £37.95 add-on only applies to older claims).

Good things to know:

• You usually need to have paid enough National Insurance in the last 2 to 3 tax years. If you haven't, you might be able to get Universal Credit instead, which also includes extra money for health conditions.
• Your savings and your partner's income don't affect new-style ESA.
• You can claim ESA and Universal Credit at the same time, but your ESA is taken off your UC, so it's worth getting a benefits check.
• If you're in the work-related activity group, new-style ESA stops after 365 days. The support group has no time limit.
• You can do some limited "permitted work" while claiming, but check the rules first so you don't lose out.
• ESA is taxable.
• It's usually claimed online or by phone, and you'll need a fit note from your GP after the first 7 days of being ill.
• Many people are placed in the wrong group at first, and a lot of challenges and appeals succeed, so please don't give up if the decision doesn't feel right.

Where to start: you can claim through GOV.UK or call the DWP. Citizens Advice, Turn2us and our forum community are all great for support with the Work Capability Assessment form.

Rates are correct for 2026/27, but always double-check on GOV.UK. A small number of people still receive older "income-related" ESA, which is paid at slightly different rates and is closed to new claims.

If you've been through the assessment, we'd love for you to share your tips on the forum. It makes a huge difference to others.