Employment and Support Allowance
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is a benefit for people whose ability to work is limited by illness or disability. New claims for income-related ESA closed in 2019 when Universal Credit replaced it, but many people still receive legacy ESA and will continue to do so until they are migrated to Universal Credit. Contributory ESA can still be claimed in certain circumstances.
Important
Key points
- New claims for income-related ESA are no longer accepted — new claimants should apply for Universal Credit instead.
- Contributory (New Style) ESA can still be claimed by people with sufficient National Insurance contributions.
- The Work Capability Assessment places ESA claimants in either the Work-Related Activity Group or the Support Group.
- People receiving legacy ESA will be moved to Universal Credit through managed migration.
Types of ESA
There are two types of ESA:
New Style (Contributory) ESA: Available to people who have paid sufficient National Insurance contributions in the last two to three tax years. It is paid for a maximum of 365 days if you are in the Work-Related Activity Group, but indefinitely if you are in the Support Group. It is not means-tested — your savings and a partner's income do not affect it. New claims can still be made for New Style ESA.
Income-Related ESA (legacy): No new claims are accepted since Universal Credit replaced it. People already receiving income-related ESA continue on it until managed migration. It is means-tested and provides additional amounts for housing costs, carers, and disabilities.
It is possible to receive both New Style ESA and Universal Credit simultaneously — New Style ESA counts as income for UC purposes but the two can be received together.
The Work Capability Assessment
The Work Capability Assessment (WCA) determines your ESA group (and the equivalent element in Universal Credit). There are two possible outcomes:
Work-Related Activity Group (WRAG): You are found to have limited capability for work. You receive ESA at the assessment rate initially, then a higher rate once the group is confirmed. You must attend work-focused interviews and may be required to undertake work preparation activities, though you cannot be required to apply for jobs.
Support Group: You are found to have limited capability for work and work-related activity. This is the higher rate and there are no work-related requirements whatsoever. This group applies to people with the most severe or unpredictable conditions.
The WCA involves completing a questionnaire (ESA50 or UC50), and often a medical assessment with a healthcare professional contracted by the DWP. Gather medical evidence before completing the form and describe your worst days, not your average days.
Migration to Universal Credit
People receiving legacy ESA (income-related) are being migrated to Universal Credit through the DWP's managed migration process. When your turn comes, you will receive a Migration Notice letter giving you a deadline (normally three months) to make a UC claim.
Key points about migration:
- You must make a UC claim by the deadline — if you miss it, your ESA will stop.
- If you are worse off on UC, you will receive a Transitional Protection payment to make up the difference initially.
- Your existing WCA assessment should transfer to UC — you should not need to be reassessed immediately unless your circumstances change.
- Seek advice from Citizens Advice before migrating to understand exactly how your income will change.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim ESA if I have never worked?
What happens if I am placed in the WRAG?
Will I lose money when I move to Universal Credit?
What to do next
- 1Claim New Style ESA
Apply for contributory ESA if you have sufficient NI contributions.
- 2Claim Universal Credit if unable to work
The main route for new claimants who cannot work.
- 3Get migration advice from Citizens Advice
Free advice on moving from ESA to Universal Credit.
Official bodies and resources
Department for Work and Pensions
GovernmentThe government department responsible for welfare, pensions, and child maintenance policy in the UK.
Citizens Advice
CharityProvides free, confidential, and independent advice on a wide range of issues including benefits, housing, debt, and employment.
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