Employment and Support Allowance Calculator
⚠️ Note: ESA for new claims is being replaced by Universal Credit. If you're making a new claim, you'll likely need to claim UC. Existing ESA claimants are being migrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
ESA provides financial support to people who are unable to work due to illness or disability. It was introduced in 2008 and is gradually being replaced by Universal Credit for new claimants.
New Style ESA is contribution-based — you need to have paid sufficient National Insurance contributions in the last 2 to 3 years. It pays up to 52 weeks and can be received alongside Universal Credit.
After a Work Capability Assessment, claimants are placed in the Work-Related Activity Group (WRAG) or the Support Group. The Support Group (for most severely disabled) receives a higher rate and has no work-related requirements.
New Style ESA: £84.80/week (25+) or £67.20/week (under 25). These are approximate as rates are uprated annually with CPI. Legacy ESA rates include additional components.
New ESA claims are no longer possible for most people — Universal Credit has replaced it. Existing legacy ESA claimants are being migrated to Universal Credit through managed migration.
A WCA assesses your ability to work. It looks at your functional limitations due to illness or disability. HMRC/DWP assessors (or contracted companies) conduct the assessments.
Yes, through permitted work. You can earn up to £183.50/week (2025/26) for up to 52 weeks without affecting your ESA, if approved in advance by the DWP.
In Universal Credit, the Limited Capability for Work Related Activity (LCWRA) element serves a similar purpose to the ESA Support Group component, paying an additional £416.19/month (2025/26).
ESA can affect means-tested benefits like Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. New Style ESA doesn't affect Universal Credit if received concurrently, as it's treated as income.
You can ask for a mandatory reconsideration within 1 month of the decision, then appeal to a social security tribunal. Citizens Advice can help with appeals.
New Style ESA (contribution-based) is taxable income. Income-related ESA (legacy, means-tested) is not taxable.
Incapacity Benefit was replaced by ESA in 2011. Those who were on Incapacity Benefit were reassessed under the WCA and migrated to ESA or Universal Credit.