Benefit
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Support if a health condition or disability limits your ability to work — most new claims are for 'New Style' ESA, based on National Insurance contributions rather than income.
Who it's for
New Style ESA isn't means-tested and doesn't depend on a partner's income or most household savings — but it does depend on your own National Insurance contribution record over the last 2-3 tax years.
- A health condition or disability affects how much you can work
- You're under State Pension age
- You've paid enough Class 1 or Class 2 National Insurance contributions in the relevant tax years
What you may get (2026/27 rates)
The first 13 weeks are an 'assessment phase' at a lower rate, while your capability for work is assessed. After that, the 'main phase' rate applies, with an extra component depending on which group you're placed in.
- Assessment phase, under 25: £75.65 a week
- Assessment phase, 25 or over: £95.55 a week
- Main phase personal allowance (any age once in main phase): £95.55 a week
- Plus Work-Related Activity Component: £37.95 a week, or Support Component: £50.35 a week
How it interacts with Universal Credit
You can claim New Style ESA on its own, or alongside Universal Credit — in that case, your ESA is deducted in full from your Universal Credit payment, but claiming both can still help protect your National Insurance record.
Frequently asked questions
BenefitsPlanner is an independent planning tool. It is not GOV.UK, DWP, HMRC, your local authority, or the NHS, and nothing here is an official entitlement decision. Always check current rules on GOV.UK or with the relevant authority.