Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) UK — Complete Guide 2026
Everything about ESA for people with health conditions or disabilities that affect their ability to work. New Style ESA vs income-related ESA, Work Capability Assessment, and how to claim.
Benefits information is based on current DWP and HMRC rules. Entitlements depend on your personal circumstances. For free personalised help, contact Citizens Advice or call the Universal Credit helpline on 0800 328 5644.
Contents
If you are comparing ESA, JSA, and migration decisions with Universal Credit, start with the Legacy Benefits Hub for the complete pathway.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) provides financial support if you can’t work due to illness or disability. The system has changed significantly — here’s what you need to know now.
For the wider cluster covering carers’ support, disability benefits and work-related health routes, use the main Carers & Disability Benefits hub.
Types of ESA
New Style ESA (Contribution-Based)
Feature
Details
Based on
National Insurance contributions
Means-tested?
No — savings/partner income don’t matter
How long
Usually up to 365 days (support group unlimited)
Can claim with UC?
Yes — claim both allowed
New claims?
Still open
Income-Related ESA (Legacy)
Feature
Details
Based on
Low income, not NI contributions
New claims?
Closed — claim UC instead
Existing claimants
Being moved to UC
Similar to
UC with health condition
Which to Claim
Situation
What to Claim
Have enough NI contributions
New Style ESA
Low income, no/low NI record
Universal Credit
Already on income-related ESA
You’ll be moved to UC
Can claim both
New Style ESA + UC
Eligibility for New Style ESA
National Insurance Requirements
Requirement
Details
Paid NI contributions
In one of last 2-3 tax years
Enough contributions
Class 1 or Class 2 NI
Or NI credits
From previous benefits
You Must Also
Requirement
Details
Be under State Pension age
Or have been claiming before you reached it
Not be receiving SSP
Or SSP has ended
Have limited capability for work
Due to health condition/disability
Not working
Or only doing permitted work
What Counts as “Limited Capability”
Area
Examples
Physical health
Unable to stand, walk, lift, sit for long
Mental health
Anxiety, depression affecting function
Learning disability
Affecting ability to work
Fluctuating conditions
Good and bad days count
ESA Rates 2026/27
Assessment Phase (First 13 Weeks)
Age
Weekly Rate
Under 25
£75.65
25 or over
£95.55
After Work Capability Assessment
Group
Basic Rate (25 or over)
Component
Total
Work-Related Activity Group
£95.55
£0 (new claims since 2017)
£95.55
Support Group
£95.55
£50.35
£145.90
Support Component
Who Gets It
Details
Support group members
Those with most severe conditions
Effect on work
Severe limitations
Pre-April 2017 WRAG claims
May have old component
The Work Capability Assessment
What Is It?
Feature
Details
Purpose
Assess how health affects ability to work
Who does it
Health professional (not DWP)
Format
Face-to-face, phone, or paper-based
Outcome
Which group you’re placed in
Two Stages
Test
Purpose
Limited Capability for Work (LCW)
Are you unable/limited in working?
Limited Capability for Work-Related Activity (LCWRA)
Are limitations so severe you shouldn’t prepare for work?
WCA Descriptors — Physical
Activity
What’s Assessed
Mobilising
Walking/moving around
Standing and sitting
Ability to maintain positions
Reaching
Using arms above head
Picking up
Manual dexterity
Manual dexterity
Using hands
Communication
Speaking, hearing, writing
Continence
Bladder/bowel control
Consciousness
Fits, blackouts
WCA Descriptors — Mental/Cognitive
Activity
What’s Assessed
Learning tasks
Memory, concentration
Awareness of hazard
Understanding danger
Personal action
Initiating actions
Coping with change
Dealing with new situations
Going out
Anxiety, phobias
Social interaction
Engaging with others
Appropriateness
Behaviour
Points System
Points
Outcome
15+ points
Limited Capability for Work
Meeting LCWRA descriptors
Support Group
Under 15 points
May be found fit for work
The Groups
Work-Related Activity Group (WRAG)
Feature
Details
What it means
Can’t work now but should prepare
Requirements
Attend work-focused interviews
Sanctions
Benefits can be reduced if don’t comply
Support component
Not for new claims since April 2017
Support Group
Feature
Details
What it means
Condition too severe for any work requirements
Requirements
None — voluntary engagement only
Sanctions
None
Support component
£50.35/week extra
Which Group Will I Be In?
Likely Support Group
Likely WRAG
Severe conditions
Conditions expected to improve
Unable to work for foreseeable future
May return to work eventually
Substantial risk if found capable
Some limitations but manageable
Terminal illness
Fluctuating conditions (sometimes)
How to Claim
For New Style ESA
Step
Details
Get a fit note
From GP (after 7 days sick)
Apply
Phone 0800 169 0350
Or online
Gov.uk — some areas
Form
ESA1 (or ESA1 (SS))
Information Needed
What
Why
National Insurance number
Identity
Bank details
Payment
GP details
Medical evidence
Employment history
NI contributions check
Fit note
Proof of illness
Condition details
For assessment
What Happens Next
Stage
Timeframe
Claim submitted
Day 0
Assessment phase starts
Immediately
Sent health questionnaire (UC50)
4-6 weeks
Return questionnaire
Within 4 weeks
WCA arranged
Varies — weeks to months
Decision
After WCA
The Health Questionnaire (UC50/ESA50)
Completing the Form
Section
What to Include
Your conditions
All diagnoses
Medications
Everything you take
Treatments
Current and past
How it affects you
Daily impact
Support needed
What help you require
Tips for the Form
Do
Don’t
Describe worst days
Only mention good days
Be specific
Be vague
Give examples
Give one-word answers
Explain fluctuation
Assume they understand
Get help completing it
Rush it
Evidence to Include
Evidence Type
How It Helps
GP letter
Professional view
Consultant letters
Specialist evidence
Prescriptions list
Shows treatment
Care records
If you have carers
Mental health records
If applicable
The Assessment Appointment
What to Expect
Feature
Details
Location
Assessment centre, home, or phone
Duration
30-90 minutes
Who attends
You + support person allowed
Format
Questions and possible physical checks
Preparing
Do
Details
Bring evidence
Copies of key documents
Bring support person
They can speak for you
Note your difficulties
Even if embarrassed
Don’t minimise
Be honest about struggles
Mention mental health
If applicable
After the Assessment
Timeline
What Happens
Report written
By assessor
Sent to DWP
For decision
Decision made
Usually 2-4 weeks
Letter sent
With outcome
If You Disagree
Mandatory Reconsideration
Step
Details
Deadline
1 month from decision
How
Request in writing
What happens
Another decision maker reviews
Include
Why you disagree + new evidence
Appeal to Tribunal
If Still Disagree
Details
Deadline
1 month from mandatory reconsideration
Where
Social Security Tribunal
Success
Many ESA appeals succeed
Help
Get advice before appealing
ESA and Universal Credit
Claiming Both
Situation
What Happens
New Style ESA
Can claim alongside UC
How it works
ESA paid, UC reduced by that amount
Why do it?
Protects NI credits, simpler if UC changes
Work-capable in UC, not ESA
Can happen — different assessments
UC Health Elements
UC Term
Similar to ESA
Limited Capability for Work (LCW)
ESA — found limited (no extra money in UC)
LCWRA
ESA Support Group (£217.26/month extra for new claims from April 2026, or £429.80/month if you were already receiving the LCWRA element before April 2026, or meet the severe conditions/terminal illness criteria)