The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) provides Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) to individuals whose ability to work is limited due to a disability or health condition.
This financial support is crucial for those needing additional help to manage daily living and employment-related tasks while coping with long-term illness or disability.
What Does ESA Offer?
ESA not only provides monetary support but also connects eligible individuals with a work coach, giving them access to valuable resources such as:
- Employment training
- Condition management services
- Tailored support to maintain health in the workplace
Recent ESA Updates
In April 2025, ESA payment rates were increased by 1.7% to match the inflation rate from the previous September.
Additionally, new data released in November 2024 revealed that 1,421,898 people across the UK are currently receiving ESA.
Who Can Qualify for ESA?
To be eligible for ESA in 2025, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be below State Pension age
- Have a disability or health condition that restricts your ability to work
- Not receive Statutory Sick Pay or Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Have paid sufficient National Insurance contributions in the two tax years before the claim year
Top 22 Medical Conditions That Qualify for ESA
Recent DWP data outlined 22 specific health conditions that may make you eligible for ESA:
| Medical Condition | Number of ESA Claims |
|---|---|
| Mental and behavioural disorders | 689,342 |
| Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue diseases | 176,399 |
| Unclassified symptoms and lab findings | 127,699 |
| Nervous system diseases | 118,767 |
| Circulatory system diseases | 53,782 |
| Neoplasms (tumors) | 45,977 |
| Health status factors & health service interactions | 32,265 |
| Injury, poisoning & other external consequences | 31,970 |
| Respiratory system diseases | 31,281 |
| Digestive system diseases | 22,012 |
| Congenital malformations & chromosomal abnormalities | 19,956 |
| Endocrine, nutritional & metabolic diseases | 17,750 |
| Eye and adnexa diseases | 13,568 |
| Genitourinary system diseases | 8,529 |
| Infectious and parasitic diseases | 6,834 |
| Ear and mastoid process diseases | 6,779 |
| Special codes and purposes | 6,664 |
| Skin and subcutaneous tissue diseases | 5,511 |
| Blood diseases and immune disorders | 3,106 |
| External morbidity and mortality causes | 2,922 |
| Pregnancy and childbirth-related conditions | 797 |
| Conditions originating during perinatal period | 7 |
ESA Weekly Rates from April 2025
Here’s a complete breakdown of ESA payment rates you may receive weekly starting April 2025:
Personal Allowances
| Category | Weekly Amount |
|---|---|
| Single, under 25 | £72.90 |
| Single, 25 or over | £92.05 |
| Lone parent under 18 | £72.90 |
| Lone parent 18 or over | £92.05 |
| Couples (both under 18) | £72.90 |
| With child (both under 18) | £110.15 |
| Main phase, both under 18 | £92.05 |
| Main phase with child | £144.65 |
| One 18 or over, one under 18 | £144.65 |
| Both over 18 | £144.65 |
| Claimant under 25, partner under 18 | £72.90 |
| Claimant 25+, partner under 18 | £92.05 |
| Main phase claimant, partner under 18 | £92.05 |
Premiums
| Premium Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Enhanced disability – single | £21.20 |
| Enhanced disability – couple | £30.25 |
| Severe disability – single | £82.90 |
| Severe disability – couple (low rate) | £82.90 |
| Severe disability – couple (high rate) | £165.80 |
| Carer premium | £46.40 |
Pensioner Premiums
| Category | Weekly Amount |
|---|---|
| Single with work-related activity | £98.50 |
| Single with support component | £86.55 |
| Single without component | £135.05 |
| Couple with work-related activity | £165.40 |
| Couple with support component | £153.45 |
| Couple without component | £201.95 |
Additional Components
| Component Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Work-related activity | £36.55 |
| Support component | £48.50 |
ESA payments are disbursed every two weeks.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) continues to play a vital role in supporting those whose health conditions or disabilities impact their working abilities.
With over 1.4 million claimants across the UK and 22 qualifying conditions, ESA provides not only financial aid but also essential support services to help individuals regain or maintain employment.
Understanding the eligibility criteria, payment rates, and application requirements can help you or your loved ones access the assistance you deserve.
FAQs
How often are ESA payments made?
ESA payments are issued once every two weeks directly into your bank account.
Can I receive ESA and Statutory Sick Pay at the same time?
No, you cannot claim ESA if you’re already receiving Statutory Sick Pay or Jobseeker’s Allowance.
What is the difference between the support component and the work-related activity component?
The support component is for individuals with more serious conditions who are not expected to work, while the work-related activity component is for those who may be able to work in the future with support.