You can apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.
How it can help
ESA gives you:
money to help with living costs if you’re unable to work
support to get back into work if you’re able to
You can apply if you’re employed, self-employed or unemployed.
Eligibility
You can apply for New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you’re under State Pension age and you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.
You also need to have both:
- worked as an employee or have been self-employed
- paid enough National Insurance contributions, usually in the last 2 to 3 years - National Insurance credits also count
You cannot get New Style ESA if you claim Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Statutory Sick Pay
How to access
Apply online for ESA
Once you’ve applied, you’ll be contacted by phone and told when to give the evidence and where to send it.
You cannot apply online if you’re applying as an appointee on someone else’s behalf.