ESA offers money to help with living costs if you are unable to work, and support to get back into work if you can. Your current working status can be employed, self-employed or unemployed.
New applications can only be made for New Style ESA. There is another type of ESA called income-related ESA, which you will continue getting if you already received it and are still eligible.
Eligibility
- You have a disability or health condition which affects how much you can work
- You are under State Pension age (this depends on your sex and date of birth)
- You have previously worked as an employee or been self-employed
- You have paid enough National Insurance contributions (including National Insurance credits) in the last 2-3 years
- You currently work less than 16 hours per week, or earn less than £195.50 per week
- You can show that your medical condition gives you a “limited capacity for work” (by getting a fit note from a healthcare professional such as your GP, a registered nurse, occupational therapist or physiotherapist – either printed or digital)
You cannot receive ESA at the same time as Job Seeker’s Allowance or Statutory Sick Pay (SSS), but you can apply for New Style ESA up to three months before your SSS ends.
You can get ESA at the same time as Adult Disability Payment.
Your ESA claim can be affected by your household income and savings (if over £6,000) and private pension (if over £85 per week).
Work-related activity group
- You cannot work now, but can prepare to work in the future, for example by writing a CV
- You have to attend regular interviews with a work coach
- Support lasts up to 1 year
Support group
- You cannot work now and you’re not expected to prepare for work in the future (for example, if you have a severe disability or illness, including a terminal illness)
- You do not have to attend regular interviews
- There is no time limit on the support you receive
Weekly amounts
If your claim is successful, you’ll get paid ESA every two weeks.
It takes about 13 weeks for your claim to be assessed. During this time you will receive:
| Circumstances | Weekly amount |
|---|---|
| Age under 25 | £72.90 |
| Age 25 or over | £92.05 |
If your assessment takes longer than 13 weeks, backdated payments will be made if you’re owed any money.
After the assessment is complete, you will receive:
| Group | Weekly amount |
|---|---|
| Work-related activity | Up to £92.05 |
| Support | Up to £140.55 |
Apply or find out more
- Apply on the UK Gov website
- Read more info from Citizens Advice
- Use the benefits calculator from Edinburgh Council
Contact VOCAL
If you still have any questions about Employment and Support Allowance, you can contact our benefits team at VOCAL. We provide one-to-one advice, as well as regular advice surgeries where we offer benefits checks to carers we support.
