Many people across the UK may be eligible for extra financial help from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) but aren’t claiming it simply because they don’t know it exists. The benefit in question? Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)—a lifeline for those whose health challenges affect their ability to work.
Depending on your circumstances, ESA could offer as much as £184.30 per week.
What Is ESA?
Employment and Support Allowance provides financial help if you’re struggling to work due to a physical or mental health condition. It also supports those who may be able to return to work in the future with the right assistance.
There are two main types:
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New Style ESA – for individuals who have made enough National Insurance contributions. This can be claimed on its own or alongside Universal Credit.
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Income-based ESA – now largely replaced by Universal Credit but still in place for some existing claimants.
What Are the Payment Rates?
For the 2024/25 financial year, the ESA payment structure is as follows:
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Under 25s: Up to £84.80 per week
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25 and over: Up to £106.50 per week
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Support Group: Up to £184.30 per week, for those whose health conditions severely limit work capacity
In some cases, additional financial help—such as disability or carer premiums—can be added on top.
Are You Eligible?
ESA isn’t based purely on your medical condition. What really matters is how your health affects your ability to work. Most applicants are required to go through a Work Capability Assessment (WCA). Based on the outcome, you’ll be placed into one of two groups:
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Work-Related Activity Group (WRAG) – You may need to attend interviews or job-focused activities.
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Support Group – No work obligations; this group receives the higher rate.
Conditions That Could Qualify You
There’s no strict checklist of illnesses that guarantee eligibility. However, some conditions commonly qualify when they cause long-term, serious functional difficulties. These include:
1. Musculoskeletal Issues
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Fibromyalgia
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Arthritis (rheumatoid or osteoarthritis)
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Osteoporosis
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Chronic joint or back pain
2. Neurological Conditions
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Multiple sclerosis (MS)
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Parkinson’s disease
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Epilepsy
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Motor neurone disease
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Cerebral palsy
3. Respiratory Disorders
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COPD
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Asthma (severe cases)
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Cystic fibrosis
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Pulmonary fibrosis
4. Mental Health Conditions
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Depression (severe)
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Bipolar disorder
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PTSD
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Anxiety disorders
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Schizophrenia
5. Heart and Circulation Problems
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Stroke aftereffects
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Angina
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Heart failure
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Complicated high blood pressure
6. Endocrine and Other Health Problems
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Advanced diabetes with complications
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Addison’s disease
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Thyroid issues
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Lupus
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Severe cases of Crohn’s or colitis
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Long COVID (persistent symptoms)
Eligibility depends on how these conditions impact your daily life and ability to work—not just the diagnosis itself.
How to Apply for ESA
If you think you may qualify, here’s how to get started:
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Check eligibility on the gov.uk ESA page.
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Gather medical evidence, such as doctor’s notes and treatment records.
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Apply online or by phone through the DWP.
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Attend a Work Capability Assessment, where a professional will evaluate how your condition affects you.
Following the assessment, you’ll be placed into either the WRAG or Support Group based on the results.
Can You Claim Other Support Too?
Absolutely. Many people receiving ESA are also eligible for:
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Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
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Universal Credit
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Free NHS prescriptions
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Travel assistance for hospital visits
Don’t Miss Out on Support You Deserve
Whether it’s a long-term illness, mental health struggles, or mobility issues that limit your ability to work, Employment and Support Allowance could provide vital financial relief. It’s worth checking your eligibility and applying if you haven’t already.
Need help navigating the process? Citizens Advice can guide you step-by-step through your application.
