TL;DR
New Style Employment and Support Allowance is a contribution-based benefit for people whose ability to work is limited by illness or disability. Entitlement depends on your National Insurance record, not your income or savings, so a partner's earnings do not affect it. It is paid every two weeks, can be claimed on its own or alongside Universal Credit, and involves a Work Capability Assessment that places you in either the work-related activity group or the support group.
Last reviewed 30 June 2026
What New Style ESA is
New Style Employment and Support Allowance is a benefit for people aged 16 to State Pension age whose ability to work is limited by a health condition or disability. It is the contribution-based form of ESA that remains open to new claims, after income-related ESA was replaced by Universal Credit. It can be claimed on its own or at the same time as Universal Credit.
The National Insurance conditions
Because it is contribution-based, eligibility depends on your National Insurance record rather than your income or savings. You generally need to have paid or been credited with enough Class 1 or Class 2 contributions in the two full tax years before the year you claim in. This means someone with significant savings or a working partner can still qualify, provided the National Insurance conditions are met.
Assessment phase and main phase
The first 13 weeks of a claim is the assessment phase, during which you receive a basic allowance while the DWP assesses your case. For 2026/27 the basic allowance for those aged 25 and over is around £95.55 a week, with a lower rate for under 25s. After a Work Capability Assessment you move to the main phase and are placed in one of two groups. Exact current figures are published by the DWP and it is worth checking the GOV.UK rates page for the precise amount.
Work-related activity group and support group
If you are placed in the work-related activity group, you are expected to take steps to prepare for a return to work and attend interviews with a work coach. If you are placed in the support group, your condition is judged to severely limit what you can do and you are not required to prepare for work; the support group rate is higher, around £145.90 a week for 2026/27. People who are nearing the end of life are placed in the support group under special rules.
How it is paid and taxed
New Style ESA is paid every two weeks. It is taxable income, although many claimants pay no tax on it because it falls within the personal allowance. If you receive a private or occupational pension above a set weekly amount, your ESA can be reduced. While you claim, you receive National Insurance credits that count toward your State Pension.
Claiming alongside Universal Credit, and challenging a decision
You can claim New Style ESA at the same time as Universal Credit. If you qualify for both, your Universal Credit is reduced by the amount of ESA you receive, but claiming ESA still gives you the National Insurance credits. If you disagree with the outcome of your Work Capability Assessment, you can ask the DWP for a mandatory reconsideration and, if needed, appeal to an independent tribunal.
Disclaimer: This article is general information and not financial or welfare advice. ESA rates and rules are set by the DWP and can change each April. Check the GOV.UK rates page for the exact current figures, or use a free adviser such as Citizens Advice for a personal assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Is New Style ESA means-tested?
No. It depends on your National Insurance record, not your income or savings, so a partner's earnings do not affect it.
How much is New Style ESA?
For 2026/27 the basic allowance for those aged 25 and over is around £95.55 a week, and the support group rate is around £145.90 a week. Check GOV.UK for the exact current figures.
Can I get New Style ESA and Universal Credit together?
Yes, but your Universal Credit is reduced by the amount of ESA you receive. Claiming ESA still gives you National Insurance credits.
How often is ESA paid?
Every two weeks.
What happens if I disagree with my assessment?
You can ask the DWP for a mandatory reconsideration and, if that is unsuccessful, appeal to an independent tribunal.
