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 01 December 2025
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 don't 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.
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 a Eligibility depends on the amount of income and capital you have. See full definition .
- Contributory/New Style ESA is a Benefits you can get no matter what your income and savings are. See full definition .
Taxable:
- Income-related ESA is not taxable.
- Contributory/New Style ESA is taxable.
Administered by: Jobcentre Plus, Government department that is responsible for employment and welfare See full definition
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