Employment and Support Allowance Guide (ESA Rates, Eligibility, Application)

Who Is Eligible for ESA

You can claim new-style ESA if you are under State Pension age, have a health condition or disability that limits your ability to work, and have paid enough National Insurance contributions in the last 2–3 tax years (usually at least 26 weeks of earnings at the lower earnings limit in one of the last two complete tax years). New-style ESA is not means-tested — your savings and partner's income do not affect it. You can claim income-related ESA if you have low income and savings below £16,000 and have not paid enough NI contributions. However, income-related ESA is being closed to new claims as part of managed migration — most new claimants with low income should claim Universal Credit instead. You must provide a fit note (statement of fitness for work) from your GP or hospital doctor to support your claim. If you are terminally ill, you can claim under special rules, which fast-track your application and exempt you from the Work Capability Assessment. You must live in England, Scotland, or Wales to claim ESA. See our Income Support guide → for how ESA differs from Income Support for disabled claimants.

ESA Payment Rates 2026

ESA has different rates depending on the type and stage of your claim. For the first 13 weeks (the assessment phase), you receive the assessment phase rate: under 25 — up to £74.70/week; 25 or over — up to £94.20/week. After the assessment phase, if you are placed in the Work-Related Activity Group (WRAG), you receive up to £149.80/week (note: the WRAG component was removed for new claimants in 2017 but some existing claimants still receive it). If you are placed in the Support Group, you receive up to £162.30/week. New-style ESA pays: assessment phase — £94.20/week (if 25+); Support Group — £162.30/week. If you are in the Support Group, you do not have to attend work-focused interviews. Income-related ESA includes premiums for severe disability, enhanced disability, and carers — which can increase your weekly amount significantly. For example, the severe disability premium adds £81.50/week (single) or £162.95/week (couple). ESA is paid every 2 weeks in arrears. The rates increase each April in line with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI). If you receive Carer's Allowance as well as ESA, it may be deducted pound-for-pound from income-related ESA.

How to Apply for ESA

To claim new-style ESA, apply online at gov.uk. You need your: National Insurance number, bank details, GP details, fit note, and employment history. If you are applying for income-related ESA, you are instead directed to claim Universal Credit in most areas. The application asks about your condition, how it affects your daily life, and your recent work history. After submitting, you receive a ESA50 questionnaire (Limited Capability for Work questionnaire) which asks detailed questions about your physical and mental health. Complete this thoroughly with supporting evidence from your doctor, consultant, or mental health team. You will then be referred for a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) with a DWP-approved healthcare professional. The WCA can be in person, by video, or by phone. The assessment determines whether you have limited capability for work (LCW) or limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA). If you are found to have LCW, you are placed in the WRAG (or are moved to Universal Credit). If LCWRA, you are placed in the Support Group and do not have to look for work. Your first ESA payment takes approximately 4–6 weeks from when you submit your fit note. Use a benefits calculator to estimate your entitlement before applying.

The Work Capability Assessment (WCA)

The Work Capability Assessment evaluates your ability to carry out physical and mental activities related to work. The assessment covers 17 activities across physical, sensory, and mental health categories: walking, standing, sitting, bending, reaching, manual dexterity, lifting, speaking, hearing, vision, memory, concentration, learning, social engagement, coping with change, managing emotions, and adapted behaviour. For each activity, you score points based on descriptors (similar to the PIP assessment). You need 15 points total to be placed in the WRAG (LCW) or Support Group (LCWRA). If you score 15+ points and your condition also means you are substantially at risk if you were found capable of work, you go into the Support Group. The assessment typically takes 45–75 minutes. Prepare thoroughly: review the ESA descriptors beforehand, write down how your condition affects you on good and bad days, and bring supporting evidence. If the DWP decides you are fit for work, you can challenge the decision via Mandatory Reconsideration and then appeal to tribunal. Success rates at tribunal for ESA appeals are high — over 60% of appeals are decided in favour of the claimant. Citizens Advice can help with the appeal process.

ESA and Universal Credit Migration

Income-related ESA is being phased out under managed migration to Universal Credit. If you currently receive income-related ESA, the DWP will send you a Migration Notice letter asking you to claim Universal Credit by a specific deadline. You have 3 months to make the claim or your ESA will stop. Transitional protection applies — if your UC award is less than your ESA award, you receive a transitional element to make up the difference. However, this protection is eroded over time as UC rates increase. Important: the severe disability premium (SDP) is not replicated in Universal Credit, so people who receive SDP alongside income-related ESA may be worse off on UC. If you live in a supported or exempt accommodation, special rules may apply. New-style ESA (contributory) is not replaced by Universal Credit — you can continue to receive it alongside UC if eligible. If you receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP), that continues unaffected during migration. Use a benefits calculator or speak to Citizens Advice to compare your current ESA award with what you would receive on Universal Credit before your migration deadline.

FAQs

Can I claim ESA if I work part-time?

You can do permitted work while claiming ESA — work that is part of a treatment plan or that you do as a supported permitted worker. Earnings must not exceed £183.50/week (2026 limit) and you must have started the work before your ESA claim or as part of an agreed plan. Full-time work disqualifies you from ESA.

How long does ESA last?

ESA has no fixed time limit for the Support Group. If you remain in the Support Group, you can receive ESA until you reach State Pension age, when you move to Pension Credit or State Pension. WRAG claims are limited to 365 days for contribution-based ESA.

Does ESA affect my State Pension?

Receiving ESA does not affect your State Pension. However, if you receive ESA and reach State Pension age, your ESA stops. You should claim Pension Credit and State Pension instead. See our State Pension guide →.

What happens if I am found fit for work?

If the WCA finds you fit for work, you can request a Mandatory Reconsideration within 1 month and then appeal to tribunal. You may also be able to claim Jobseeker's Allowance or Universal Credit while you appeal. Provide new medical evidence to strengthen your case.

Can I get ESA and PIP together?

Yes. ESA and PIP are different benefits — ESA is for work capability while PIP covers daily living and mobility costs. They do not affect each other. Many people claim both. PIP adds between £30.85/week and £115.15/week to your total benefit income.