What is New Style Employment and Support Allowance?
Where a link is marked * or labelled Ad, it is a partner advertisement: we receive commission at no extra cost to you. Links without a * or Ad label earn us nothing. How we make money.
In short: New Style ESA is a National Insurance contribution-based payment if a health condition or disability limits how much you can work. In 2026/27 the personal allowance is £75.65 a week under 25 and £95.55 at 25 or over, plus a work-related activity or support component after assessment.
Last reviewed:
Reviewed by Kaiser Khan
It is not the old income-related ESA. Savings do not block New Style ESA. You need a recent NI record. If you do not have that record, claim Universal Credit and ask for a Work Capability Assessment there. Many people get both — ESA is deducted from UC as unearned income.
After the Work Capability Assessment, DWP places you in the work-related activity group (£37.95 extra) or the support group (£50.35 extra). Permitted work can allow some earnings — the 2026/27 weekly limit is £203.50. Official: www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance
PIP is separate extra-costs money. You can get PIP and New Style ESA together. Guide: New Style ESA.
Primary source: gov.uk/employment-support-allowance
Part of our Benefits & tax
This quick answer sits inside our wider benefits & tax hub — with sub-guides, calculators and step-by-step explainers on the same topic.
Read the full benefits & tax guide →