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Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - What is Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)?

Employment and Support Allowance is money for people who have illnesses or disabilities that make it hard for them to work

Last reviewed 31 January 2023

What is Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)?

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is money for people who have limited capability for work because of their sickness or disability but do not get Statutory Sick Pay.

There are two types:

  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • contributory/New Style Employment and Support Allowance

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance is being replaced by Universal Credit. Please go to the Can I get Employment and Support Allowance? page of this guide for information on who can still claim.

Applies to: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Age rules: You must be 16 or over and under State Pension age.

Type of benefit:

Income-related ESA is means tested.

Contributory ESA is non means tested.

Taxable:

  • Income-related ESA is not taxable
  • Contributory ESA is taxable

Administered by: Jobcentre Plus, Department for Work and Pensions

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