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How-to · Step-by-step

How to claim New Style ESA

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In short. Confirm you have a recent National Insurance record, apply for New Style ESA on GOV.UK with fit notes, complete the capability questionnaire, attend the Work Capability Assessment, and claim Universal Credit alongside it if you need housing or extra amounts.

New Style ESA is contribution-based. Savings do not block it. Income-related ESA is closed to most new claims. This is not a DWP form.

Last reviewed:

·Estimated time: 1 hour 30 min·Cost: £0 to claim

The steps

  1. 01

    Check the National Insurance test

    You usually need enough Class 1 or Class 2 NI in recent tax years. If you do not, claim Universal Credit and ask for a Work Capability Assessment there instead.

    Official link →

  2. 02

    Apply and send fit notes

    Start on GOV.UK. You will need identity, bank details and medical evidence. Keep sending fit notes until DWP tells you to stop.

    Official link →

  3. 03

    Complete the Work Capability Assessment questionnaire

    Write functional limits the same way as a PIP form: safely, repeatedly, reasonably, on most days. Keep a copy. Rates: New Style ESA explained.

  4. 04

    Attend the assessment and read the group decision

    Support group has no work-search requirements. The work-related activity group has some activity. Permitted work has a weekly earnings limit — check GOV.UK before you take a job.

  5. 05

    Claim Universal Credit if you need housing or children amounts

    You can get both. ESA is deducted from UC as unearned income. Do not assume ESA covers rent.

    Official link →

Common pitfalls

  • Waiting for ESA instead of claiming UC for housing
  • Stopping fit notes too early
  • Treating New Style ESA as PIP — they pay for different things

FAQ

Can I work at all on ESA?
Permitted work rules allow some earnings. The 2026/27 weekly limit is £203.50 — confirm on GOV.UK before you start.
Is this the same as New Style JSA?
No. JSA is for people who can look for work. ESA is for limited capability for work. Guide: New Style JSA.
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