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GrantUK-wide

Employment and Support Allowance (New Style ESA)

Department for Work and Pensions (Department for Communities in Northern Ireland)

Description

Contribution-based benefit for people whose illness or disability limits their capability for work, paid regardless of savings or a partner's income (unlike the now-closed income-related ESA). Can be claimed alongside Universal Credit.

Amount

Personal allowance of £75.65/week (under 25) or £95.55/week (25 or over) during the assessment phase, plus a Work-Related Activity Component of £37.95/week or a Support Component of £50.35/week once placed in a group after assessment — 2026/27 New Style ESA rates, re-verified August 2026 against the official DWP 'Benefit and pension rates 2026/2027' table (exact match confirmed)

Deadline

Rolling / no fixed deadline

Eligibility summary

  • Available across the whole UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland).
  • Open to individuals — not restricted to businesses.
Notes
Income-related ESA closed to new claims; DWP's managed migration to Universal Credit is effectively complete for most working-age legacy claimants, with the final income-related ESA and working-age Housing Benefit routes confirmed closing 30 June 2026. If you don't have enough NI contributions for New Style ESA, claim Universal Credit instead — the two can also be claimed together, since New Style ESA counts as income within a UC award rather than replacing it. Northern Ireland runs ESA under its own separate-but-parity legislation via the Department for Communities.
Requirement
Limited capability for work due to illness or disability (assessed via a Work Capability Assessment/fit note), plus sufficient Class 1/2 National Insurance contributions in the relevant tax years — this is what makes it 'New Style' (contribution-based) rather than means-tested.

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How to apply

Apply online, by phone, or by post; you'll need a fit note from your GP and will usually be asked to attend a Work Capability Assessment.

View official source

Last verified: 19 August 2026. See the footer disclaimer — this is general information, not financial or tax advice.