What is Employment Support Allowance (ESA)?
Employment Support Allowance (ESA) is a UK benefit designed to support people who are unable to work due to illness or disability. If your health condition makes it difficult or impossible to work, ESA can provide you with financial assistance to help cover your living costs. In addition to monetary support, ESA also offers guidance and resources to help you return to work if and when you are able.
ESA plays an important role within the wider system of employment benefits available in the UK, ensuring that people who are temporarily or permanently unable to work due to health reasons are not left without support. The benefit is governed by specific rules and regulations, including those set out in the Employment Support Allowance (ESA) Regulations 2008, which define eligibility and how the allowance is calculated.
If you are claiming ESA, you may also have access to other related benefits and rights, such as help with housing costs, free prescriptions, or support with finding suitable work when your health improves. Understanding how ESA fits within the broader benefits system can help you make the most of the support available.
Who Can Claim Employment Support Allowance?
To claim Employment Support Allowance (ESA), you must be unable to work because of illness or disability. ESA is designed to support people who have limited capability for work, either temporarily or in the longer term. There are two main types of ESA claimants: those who qualify based on their National Insurance contributions (known as contribution-based or “new style” ESA), and those who may qualify based on their income and savings (known as income-related ESA).
Key factors for eligibility include your age (you must be over 16 and under State Pension age), your work capability, and – depending on the type of ESA – your record of National Insurance contributions or your financial situation. The specific rules and requirements are set out in UK social security law and guidance.
If you want to find out more about who can claim, what counts as a qualifying illness or disability, and how factors like your financial circumstances and National Insurance record affect your claim, visit our detailed page on Eligibility for ESA.
How to Apply for Employment Support Allowance
Applying for Employment Support Allowance (ESA) involves several important steps. You’ll need to gather medical evidence, complete application forms, and work with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), which administers ESA under The Employment and Support Allowance Regulations 2013. After submitting your application, you may be asked to attend an assessment to help determine your eligibility and the level of support you can receive.
For a detailed, step-by-step guide – including tips on preparing your documents, what to expect during the assessment, and how to contact the DWP for help – visit our Application Process for ESA page. This resource will walk you through each stage and explain the support available to you during your application.
ESA Assessments and Medical Tests
When you apply for Employment Support Allowance (ESA), you will usually need to go through a medical assessment called the Work Capability Assessment (WCA). The purpose of the WCA is to decide whether your illness or disability limits your ability to work and to determine which group you will be placed in for ESA – either the work-related activity group or the support group. You can read more about how the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) works and what it means for claimants.
During the assessment, you will be asked about your health condition, how it affects your daily life, and your ability to carry out work-related tasks. The assessor may ask questions about your mobility, concentration, ability to manage everyday activities, and any support you need. You might also be asked to complete some simple physical or mental tasks.
The information from the assessment, along with any medical evidence you provide, will be used to decide your eligibility for ESA and which group you are placed in. The decision is based on specific criteria set out in UK law, including the Welfare Reform Act 2007 and related regulations.
To prepare for your assessment, gather recent medical evidence from your GP or specialist, and think about examples of how your condition affects your daily life. It’s important to be honest and provide as much detail as possible.
If you disagree with the outcome of your assessment, you have the right to challenge the decision. Find out more about your options on our ESA Appeals page.
What to Do if Your ESA Claim is Denied or You Disagree with a Decision
If your ESA claim is denied or you disagree with a decision, you have the right to challenge it. The first step is usually to request a mandatory reconsideration, where the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reviews your case and any new evidence you provide. If you are still unhappy with the outcome after this, you can appeal to an independent tribunal.
It’s important to gather as much supporting evidence as possible, such as medical reports or statements from your healthcare professionals. Seeking advice from a welfare rights adviser can also help strengthen your case.
Don’t be discouraged if the process feels challenging – many people successfully overturn ESA decisions on appeal. For a step-by-step guide to challenging ESA decisions, including how to prepare and what to expect at each stage, visit our dedicated ESA Appeals page.
How ESA Interacts with Other Benefits and Support
Employment Support Allowance (ESA) can be claimed on its own or alongside other benefits, depending on your circumstances. Understanding how ESA interacts with other support can help you manage your finances and make informed choices.
ESA and Universal Credit
ESA and Universal Credit (UC) are both benefits for people unable to work due to illness or disability, but you usually cannot receive both at the same time. Most new claims are for Universal Credit, but some people still receive “new style” ESA or contribution-based ESA. The relationship between these benefits is set out in the Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance (Claimant Commitment Exceptions) (Amendment) Regulations 2022, which explain how rules may differ for those with health conditions.
If you are already on ESA and need to claim Universal Credit, your ESA may be replaced or supplemented by UC. To find out more about how work and earnings affect your Universal Credit, see How Employment Affects Universal Credit.
ESA and Other Benefits
ESA can sometimes be paid alongside other benefits, but your total income may affect the amount you receive. For example:
If you are looking for work but not eligible for ESA, you might consider Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) as an alternative.
If you are on a low income and returning to work, you might be entitled to Working Tax Credit.
If you need help with housing costs while claiming ESA, you may be able to apply for Housing Benefit.
For mobility and parking support due to disability, the Blue Badge scheme may be helpful.
Employment, Earnings, and Your Rights
If you do some work while claiming ESA, known as “permitted work,” there are limits to how much you can earn without affecting your benefit. It’s important to report any work or changes in your circumstances to avoid overpayments or penalties.
As a disabled employee, you have rights under UK equality law, including reasonable adjustments at work. Managing multiple benefits can be complex, so it’s a good idea to keep records and seek advice if you’re unsure.
For more details on how benefits interact and your rights, explore the related sections on this site.
Your Rights at Work as an ESA Claimant
If you are claiming Employment Support Allowance (ESA), you still have important rights at work. The Equality Act 2010 protects people with disabilities or long-term health conditions from unfair treatment in the workplace. This means your employer must not discriminate against you because of your illness or disability.
Employers are also required to make reasonable adjustments to help you do your job. Adjustments might include changing your working hours, providing special equipment, or allowing you to work from home when possible. These changes should make it easier for you to stay in work or return to work if you’re able.
Understanding your rights can help you feel confident in asking for the support you need. If you believe you have faced unfair treatment or need more information about your protections, our page on workplace discrimination explains your legal rights and what to do if you experience problems at work.
For further advice on ESA and your rights around discrimination, Citizens Advice provides practical guidance on what steps you can take. Taking the time to understand and assert your rights can help create a more supportive and inclusive work environment.
