Claiming Employment and Support Allowance in the UK

by Benny Gala DNS Accountants

What is Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)?

A person is eligible to get Employment and Support Allowance if he/she has an illness or disability that directly affects the ability to work.
An alternative to Employment and Support Allowance is Statutory Sick Pay

Types of Employment and Support Allowance

1. Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance :

Contributory ESA entitlement for a limited period of one year from the time entitlement
It is differentiated as if you Paid enough National Insurance contributions when you were working

2. Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

During the time of working you have not paid enough National Insurance contributions
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance is not time limit and It can be claimed for as long as you meet the qualifying criteria.

Claim for Employment and Support Allowance

A person should need a medical certificate for the first time to make a claim for Employment and Support Allowance.
Your eligibility for contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance depends on the National Insurance Contributions paid when you were working.
Your eligibility for income-related Employment and Support Allowance depends on your capital and income.

How much will I get?

2019/20 Weekly rate during the assessment phase

The assessment phase rate is paid for the first 13 weeks of your claim while a decision is made on your capability for work through

The Work Capability Assessment.

A single person aged under 25 - £57.90
A single person aged 25 and over - £73.10 (for both contributory ESA and income-related ESA)
A couple aged 18 and over - £114.85 (income-related ESA only).

How do I claim?

The complete step by step process for claiming and assessing Employment and Support Allowance are given on the GOV.UK website.
You can also Claim for Employment and Support Allowance by calling on 0800 055 6688 (or 0800 023 4888 if you have a speech or hearing impairment).