In the United Kingdom, not everyone can go to work every day due to long-term illness or disability. This can cause financial stress and feelings of insecurity, especially for those under the State Pension age who do not yet qualify for retirement benefits. To offer help in such situations, the UK Government provides the Employment and Support Allowance, a benefit designed to support people who are too unwell to work and also encourage those who may return to work in the future.
What Is ESA and Why It Matters?
The Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is a UK government benefit designed to support individuals with long-term illnesses or disabilities that limit or prevent their ability to work. Unlike other forms of support, ESA does more than just offer money—it also provides career guidance and coaching for those who may eventually return to work.
This benefit bridges the gap for people below the State Pension age who can’t work full-time or at all, offering both financial assistance and employment transition support tailored to their situation.
Types of ESA Available in 2025
There are two main types of ESA, though only one is available to new applicants:
- New Style ESA – For those who’ve made enough National Insurance contributions in the past 2–3 years.
- Income-Based ESA – Now closed to new applicants, this older form of ESA was means-tested and considered savings and household income.
If you’re eligible, you may receive New Style ESA alone or alongside Universal Credit, depending on your financial needs.
Who Can Apply for New Style ESA?
To qualify for New Style ESA, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be aged 16 or over and under State Pension age
- Have a disability or illness that affects your ability to work
- Have paid or been credited with enough National Insurance contributions
- Not be receiving Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), or Income-Based ESA
These rules ensure support reaches people who have contributed to the system and now need time to recover or adjust.
The 13-Week Assessment Period
After applying, individuals enter a 13-week assessment phase, during which they receive a basic weekly payment. The payment amount depends on age:
Applicant’s Age | Weekly Payment (Assessment Phase) |
---|---|
Under 25 | Up to £72.90 |
25 and older | Up to £92.05 |
Once this phase ends, claimants are placed into one of two ESA groups based on a health assessment.
ESA Work Capability Assessment Outcomes
After the Work Capability Assessment, applicants are assigned to one of the following groups:
1. Work Preparation Group
For people who may work in the future. They are required to:
- Attend meetings with a work coach
- Receive up to £92.05 per week (or up to £128.60 if claim started before April 3, 2017)
- Participate in employment coaching
Note: Payments in this group typically last for up to 12 months under New Style ESA.
2. Support Group
This group is for those too ill or disabled to work or prepare for work. Key benefits include:
- No requirement to meet a work coach
- Weekly payment up to £140.55
- No time limit on how long you can receive this support
Special Fast-Track Support for Terminal Illness
Applicants with a terminal illness and life expectancy under 12 months can receive ESA more quickly through a fast-track process.
Stage | Weekly Payment |
---|---|
Assessment (Under 25) | Up to £71.70 |
Assessment (25+) | Up to £90.50 |
Support Group | Up to £138.20 |
They also do not need to complete the ESA50 form and are exempt from work-related meetings.
Can You Work While Receiving ESA?
Yes, working part-time while on ESA is allowed under the permitted work rules:
- You can work less than 16 hours per week
- Earn no more than £195.50 per week
- Must report work to the DWP using the permitted work form
- Voluntary work is also allowed with no income cap
This allows people to remain active and build confidence without risking their financial support.
How to Apply for Employment and Support Allowance
Applying for ESA is relatively simple. Here’s what you’ll need:
- National Insurance number
- Bank account details
- Contact information for your doctor
- A fit note (if you’ve been off work more than 7 days)
- The date SSP ends, if applicable
You can apply online or by phone, and DWP typically responds within 10 working days to schedule your initial interview.
Filling the ESA50 Form
During the process, you may need to fill out an ESA50 form, which asks about:
- Your health condition
- How your illness affects your daily life and work ability
Providing detailed and honest answers is key to ensuring you’re placed in the correct ESA group.
What If Your Situation Changes?
You must report any life or financial changes to the DWP immediately. This includes:
- Moving to a new address
- Starting a new job or part-time work
- Receiving another benefit
- Health improvements or deterioration
Failing to update the DWP may result in overpayments, benefit suspension, or penalties.
Sanctions for Non-Compliance
People in the Work Preparation Group must attend work-focused interviews. If they miss these appointments or fail to meet requirements:
- Payments may be reduced for up to 4 weeks
- These are known as sanctions
Those in the Support Group are exempt from sanctions, as they’re not required to look for work.
ESA vs Universal Credit: What You Need to Know
With Income-Based ESA now closed to new claims, many are directed toward Universal Credit (UC). However, you can still:
- Apply for New Style ESA if you meet NI contribution requirements
- Apply for Universal Credit alongside ESA for extra financial help
Existing Income-Based ESA claimants will continue to receive their payments until their claim ends or they migrate to Universal Credit.
A Lifeline for Those in Need
The Employment and Support Allowance plays a critical role in helping those too ill to work maintain financial stability. It doesn’t just provide a cash buffer—it also offers coaching, career rebuilding, and compassionate support.
By understanding the rules, keeping your information updated, and staying engaged with the DWP, you can make the most of this vital support program.
For thousands in the UK, ESA offers more than just money—it provides peace of mind, hope, and a path back to independence.