Thousands of people across the UK could be missing out on financial support from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) due to a lack of awareness about Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). This benefit is designed to help individuals whose physical or mental health conditions significantly affect their ability to work.
Depending on the type of ESA and individual circumstances, claimants may receive up to £184 per week.
What is ESA?
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) offers financial support to people who are unable to work due to illness or disability, or help to return to work if they’re able. ESA can be either:
- ‘New Style’ ESA – for those who have paid enough National Insurance contributions, and can be claimed alone or alongside Universal Credit.
- Income-related ESA – which has mostly been replaced by Universal Credit, but is still paid to some existing claimants.
How Much Can You Get?
As of the 2024/2025 tax year, ESA pays up to:
- £84.80 per week for those under 25
- £106.50 per week for those 25 and over
- Up to £184.30 per week for those placed in the Support Group, if your condition severely limits your ability to work
Additional premiums may also apply, depending on circumstances such as being severely disabled or a carer.
Who Qualifies?
Eligibility for ESA is based not just on a medical diagnosis but on how your condition impacts your ability to work. Most claimants must undergo a Work Capability Assessment (WCA) to determine if they should be placed in either the Work-Related Activity Group or the Support Group.
Claimants in the Support Group are not expected to prepare for work and are eligible for the higher rate of up to £184 per week.
Conditions That May Qualify
While there’s no official exhaustive list of qualifying conditions, the following are among those that often meet ESA criteria if their effects are substantial and long-term:
1. Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic back or joint pain
- Osteoporosis
2. Neurological Conditions
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Epilepsy
- Motor Neurone Disease
- Cerebral palsy
3. Respiratory Conditions
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Severe asthma
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Cystic fibrosis
4. Mental Health Conditions
- Severe depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
5. Cardiovascular and Circulatory Issues
- Congestive heart failure
- Aftereffects of a stroke
- Angina
- Hypertension with complications
6. Endocrine Disorders
- Uncontrolled diabetes with complications
- Addison’s disease
- Thyroid dysfunctions (e.g., severe hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)
7. Autoimmune and Other Long-Term Illnesses
- Lupus
- Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (severe cases)
- Advanced-stage cancers
- Severe long COVID symptoms
Again, the severity and functional impact of the condition are what ultimately determine eligibility — not the diagnosis alone.
How to Apply
To apply for ESA, you can:
- Check eligibility and gather supporting medical documentation.
- Apply online or by phone via the DWP ESA application portal.
- Attend a Work Capability Assessment, which evaluates how your condition affects daily tasks and your ability to work.
If you’re found to have limited capability for work, you may be placed in either of the two groups:
- Work-Related Activity Group (WRAG) – you may need to attend interviews or training.
- Support Group – no work preparation required; eligible for higher payment.
Can You Claim Other Benefits Too?
Yes. If you’re eligible for ESA, you may also be entitled to additional financial support, including:
Final Thoughts
If a health condition is making it hard for you to work, you could be eligible for up to £184 a week through Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). What matters most is how your condition affects your ability to work — not just the diagnosis.
Don’t miss out on support you might be entitled to. Visit gov.uk/employment-support-allowance or speak to Citizens Advice for help with applying.
Pankaj Kumar is a skilled content writer at OTE News, focusing on breaking news, technology, and socio-political developments. With a background in Mass Communication, he brings a balanced perspective to his articles, ensuring clarity and reliability. Pankaj has a knack for simplifying complex topics for readers.
In his free time, he enjoys photography, traveling, and experimenting with new cuisines. His curiosity and dedication to truthful reporting make him a valuable contributor to OTE News.