New Style ESA Calculator 2026

New Style ESA (Employment and Support Allowance) is a contribution-based benefit for people who cannot work due to illness or disability. It is based on your NI record, not your income or savings. It replaced the old income-related ESA for most new claims.

Assessment phase (first 13 weeks): £84.80/week. Work-Related Activity Group (after assessment, some work-readiness required): £138.20/week. Support Group (most severely ill/disabled): £138.20/week. These are 2025/26 rates.

You must have paid or been credited with NI contributions in at least 2 of the last 3 complete tax years before the tax year in which you claim. The NI must meet the relevant earnings threshold.

The Work Capability Assessment (WCA) is an HMRC/DWP assessment of how your illness or disability affects your ability to work. It places you in: WRAG (some limited capability for work-related activity), Support Group (limited capability for work), or 'fit for work' (may need to claim JSA/UC instead).

Yes — New Style ESA can be claimed alongside Universal Credit. UC tops up your income if ESA alone is insufficient. UC includes a 'Limited Capability for Work' or 'LCWRA' element after the WCA.

Yes — New Style ESA is taxable income. If you have other income (e.g., pension or investments), you may need to file self-assessment. The assessment phase rate (£84.80) and the WRAG/Support Group rates are both taxable.

There is no time limit for New Style ESA in the Support Group. However, claimants in the WRAG may face reassessment. New Style ESA is only paid for 52 weeks if you are in the WRAG — after this, you must rely solely on UC.

You can ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration (MR) of the WCA decision, then appeal to an independent tribunal (First-tier Tribunal) if the MR is unsuccessful. Getting evidence from your GP, consultant, or support worker strengthens your case.