Employment Support Allowance

Employment Support Allowance (ESA) is a benefit you can claim if you are unable to work because of a health condition or disability.   

​

There are different types of ESA

​

If you have been working within the last 2-3 years you may have paid enough National Insurance Contributions to claim New Style ESA. New Style ESA does not take into account your household income or savings. 

​

If you have not paid enough National Insurance Contributions you can claim ESA as part of Universal Credit, which is called claiming Universal Credit with limited capability for work. Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit which means it will take into account your household income and savings. 

​

If you are eligible to claim New Style ESA, but your household income is low, you can claim Universal Credit as well as New Style ESA to top up your income. 

​

If you are currently claiming Income Support, income based Jobseekers Allowance, income related Employment Support Allowance or Housing Benefit contact us for advice before making a claim for Universal Credit. 

​

​

How ESA is assessed

​

How to make a claim for New Style ESA

​

How to make a claim for Universal Credit with limited capability for work

​

How to challenge an ESA decision

​

​