DWP - Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

You can apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.

ESA gives you:

• money to help with living costs if you’re unable to work
• support to get back into work if you’re able to

You can apply if you’re employed, self-employed, or unemployed.

Eligibility:

You can apply for New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you’re under State Pension age and you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.

You also need to have both:

• worked as an employee or have been self-employed
• paid enough National Insurance contributions, usually in the last 2 to 3 years - National Insurance credits also count

You cannot get New Style ESA if you claim Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Statutory Sick Pay.

If you’re working

You can apply whether you’re in or out of work. There are conditions to working while claiming ESA.

Entitledto:

Visit the free, anonymous benefits calculator at Entitledto for information on income-related benefits, tax credits, contribution-based benefits, and more.

How to Apply:

For more information and to apply, visit Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

Resources:

• DWP: Get Help With Benefits and Pensions if You Have Accessibility Needs (Link)
• DWP: Guide to the New Style Employment and Support Allowance, Easyread (Link)