New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) explained
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Quick answer: 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 if you are under 25 and £95.55 if you are 25 or over, plus a work-related activity component of £37.95 or a support component of £50.35 after the Work Capability Assessment. You can claim it with Universal Credit. It is not the old income-related ESA.
New Style ESA replaced contributory ESA for new claims. It is paid because of your NI record, not your savings. Income-related ESA is closed to most new claims — housing and extra needs go through Universal Credit. Official: www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance
Skip this if: Skip this if you only need extra-costs money (that is PIP or ADP) or you have no recent NI record and need means-tested help only (Universal Credit). This is not a DWP claim form.
Last reviewed:
Read the full benefits & tax guide →Quick answer: What is New Style ESA? →Primary source: www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance
Who can get New Style ESA?
You can apply if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work, whether you are employed, self-employed or unemployed. You must usually have paid enough National Insurance recently. Savings do not block New Style ESA.
If you do not meet the NI test, claim Universal Credit and ask for a Work Capability Assessment there instead. Some people get both: UC for housing and children, New Style ESA for the contributory amount.
How much is New Style ESA in 2026/27?
Assessment phase uses the personal allowance. After the Work Capability Assessment, DWP places you in the work-related activity group or the support group. Support group has no work-search requirements. WRAG has some work-related activity.
Rates from the DWP 2026 to 2027 table. Confirm www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/what-youll-get
| Element | Weekly amount |
|---|---|
| Personal allowance under 25 | £75.65 |
| Personal allowance 25 or over | £95.55 |
| Work-related activity component | £37.95 |
| Support component | £50.35 |
How do I claim?
Apply online or by phone via GOV.UK. You will need fit notes from your GP or hospital. You usually have a Work Capability Assessment. Keep copies of the ESA50 questionnaire — write functional limits the same way as a PIP form: safely, repeatedly, reasonably.
If you disagree, Mandatory Reconsideration then tribunal, same clock as other DWP benefits.
Common questions
Is New Style ESA the same as PIP?
No. PIP is extra-costs money. ESA is income replacement when you cannot work as much. Many people get both.
Can I work at all?
Permitted work rules allow some earnings without ending ESA — the 2026/27 weekly limit is £203.50. Check the live GOV.UK permitted-work page before you start.