TL;DR
Employment and Support Allowance helps people whose ability to work is limited by illness or disability. There were two types: income-related ESA, which has been replaced by Universal Credit, and New Style ESA, which is contribution-based and remains open to new claims. Whichever applies, a Work Capability Assessment decides whether you have limited capability for work and places you in the work-related activity group or the support group.
Last reviewed 30 June 2026
What Employment and Support Allowance is
Employment and Support Allowance, usually shortened to ESA, is financial support for people aged 16 to State Pension age whose ability to work is limited by a physical or mental health condition. It provides income while you are unable to work, and, depending on the outcome of an assessment, support to prepare for a return to work where that is realistic.
The two types of ESA
Historically there were two types of ESA. Income-related ESA was means-tested and has now been replaced by Universal Credit, so it is closed to new claims, and remaining claimants are being moved across through managed migration. New Style ESA is contribution-based, depends on your National Insurance record rather than your income or savings, and remains open to new claims. For anyone making a new claim today, New Style ESA is the relevant route.
The Work Capability Assessment
Entitlement is decided through a Work Capability Assessment, which looks at how your condition affects your ability to carry out a range of activities. It uses a points system, and scoring enough points means you are treated as having limited capability for work. The assessment can involve a questionnaire and, in many cases, a consultation. The outcome determines which group you are placed in.
The two groups
If you are found to have limited capability for work, you are placed in one of two groups. The work-related activity group is for people who are expected to take steps toward work in the future, such as attending interviews with a work coach. The support group is for people whose condition means they are not expected to prepare for work, and it carries a higher rate. People nearing the end of life are placed in the support group under special rules.
How much ESA pays
During the first 13 weeks, the assessment phase, you receive a basic allowance. After the assessment you move to the main phase, where the support group receives more than the work-related activity group. The exact weekly amounts are set by the DWP and uprated each April, so the GOV.UK rates page gives the current figures. New Style ESA is taxable and is paid every two weeks.
Claiming ESA alongside Universal Credit
New Style ESA can be claimed on its own or at the same time as Universal Credit. Where you receive both, your Universal Credit is reduced by the amount of New Style ESA, but claiming ESA still provides National Insurance credits that protect your State Pension. For people with low income or housing costs, claiming both can be the right combination.
Challenging an ESA decision
If you disagree with the outcome of your Work Capability Assessment, you can ask the DWP for a mandatory reconsideration and, if that does not change the decision, appeal to an independent tribunal. For certain ESA work capability decisions, you may be able to appeal without a separate reconsideration step. Tribunal success rates are significant, particularly where you provide supporting medical evidence.
Future changes to ESA
The government has set out plans to reform health and disability benefits, including proposals to bring assessments together and, over time, to combine contribution-based ESA and Jobseeker's Allowance into a single benefit. These are future changes, so the rules described here are how ESA works now. Anyone affected should check current GOV.UK guidance, as the detail will develop.
Related guides
Disclaimer: This article is general information and not financial or welfare advice. ESA rules and rates are set by the DWP and can change. For the current figures and a personal assessment, see GOV.UK or a free adviser such as Citizens Advice. See the GOV.UK sources below.
Frequently asked questions
What is Employment and Support Allowance?
A benefit for people aged 16 to State Pension age whose ability to work is limited by a physical or mental health condition.
What is the difference between income-related and New Style ESA?
Income-related ESA was means-tested and has been replaced by Universal Credit. New Style ESA is contribution-based, depends on your National Insurance record, and is still open to new claims.
What is the Work Capability Assessment?
An assessment that uses a points system to decide whether you have limited capability for work and which group you are placed in.
What are the two ESA groups?
The work-related activity group, for those expected to prepare for work, and the support group, for those who are not, which carries a higher rate.
Can I get ESA and Universal Credit together?
Yes. New Style ESA can be paid alongside Universal Credit, with your Universal Credit reduced by the ESA amount, while you still get National Insurance credits.
How do I challenge an ESA decision?
Ask the DWP for a mandatory reconsideration and, if needed, appeal to an independent tribunal. For some ESA work capability decisions you can appeal without a separate reconsideration.
