Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): who can claim and what it pays
Published · 4 min read · Figures checked . UK rules and rates change, so check the official sources below before you act.
Employment and Support Allowance, or ESA, is a benefit for people whose health condition or disability affects how much they can work. This guide explains who can claim New Style ESA, the weekly rates, the time limit and how to apply.
What ESA is
ESA gives money towards living costs if a disability or health condition affects how much you can work. It can also include support to prepare for work if that is realistic for you. You can claim whether you are employed, self-employed or out of work.
This guide covers New Style ESA, which is based on National Insurance contributions. It is for people under State Pension age. It does not cover the older income-related ESA, because new claims for that can no longer be made.
Who can claim
- You are under State Pension age and have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.
- You have worked as an employee or been self-employed.
- You have paid enough National Insurance contributions, usually in the last 2 to 3 years. National Insurance credits can count too.
- You cannot get New Style ESA while you are getting SSP or Jobseeker's Allowance. You can apply up to 3 months before your SSP ends.
You may be able to claim Universal Credit alongside or instead of ESA. If you get both, your Universal Credit is reduced by the amount of ESA you get.
What it pays
As of 14 October 2026, GOV.UK gives these weekly amounts. They are the most you can get, and payment is made every 2 weeks.
The assessment and the two groups
Most people have a Work Capability Assessment. It looks at how your condition affects how much you can work. It can be in person, by video call or by phone, and you can have someone with you. You stay on the assessment rate until a decision is made. If you claim both Universal Credit and New Style ESA, you have only one assessment.
If you are entitled to ESA, you are placed in one of two groups.
- Work-related activity group: you cannot work now but may be able to prepare for work in future. You must attend regular interviews with a work coach.
- Support group: you cannot work now and are not expected to prepare for work. You do not have to attend interviews. People are usually placed here if their condition severely limits what they can do.
How long it lasts
New Style ESA in the work-related activity group can be paid for 365 days, which is one year. There is no time limit in the support group. After a claim ends, some people can reapply, depending on their National Insurance contributions and on whether they were placed in the support group because of a new or worsened condition.
Working while you claim
You can usually work if you work less than 16 hours a week and earn no more than £203.50 a week. There is no limit on the hours you can volunteer. You must tell Jobcentre Plus about any work, including volunteering, when you claim. If you want to start work during a claim, you complete the ESA permitted work form and send it to Jobcentre Plus.
How to apply
You will need your National Insurance number, bank or building society details, your doctor's name, address and phone number, and a fit note if you have been unable to work for more than 7 days in a row. You can apply online. If you cannot use the online service, the Jobcentre Plus new claims helpline is 0800 055 6688, open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
In Northern Ireland, a separate process runs through nidirect. DWP usually contacts you within 10 working days, although GOV.UK says processing is currently slower than usual. If you disagree with a decision, you can ask for a mandatory reconsideration.
Where to get free help
Citizens Advice and MoneyHelper offer free, independent help if you are unsure about benefits or have been refused. If your health makes it hard to manage money, free debt advice is also available from StepChange.
Check before you act
Rates, rules and processing times change. It can be worth confirming the details on the official GOV.UK pages linked below, and checking your National Insurance record, before relying on any figure in this guide.
Sources
For information only. See our disclaimer and editorial standards. Spotted an error? Tell us.
