Hardship Payments - How do I claim Employment and Support Allowance Hardship Payments?
Hardship Payments are reduced-rate payments of Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Universal Credit (UC) that are made in limited circumstances, including if you have been sanctioned.
- Last reviewed 17 January 2025
How do I claim Employment and Support Allowance Hardship Payments?
You should ask your Jobcentre Plus office for an 'Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Hardship Payment application form' and fully explain your grounds for applying for a Hardship Payment.
If you are only getting contributory ESA, you will also need to complete form ESA3 to establish your entitlement to income-related ESA.
If you are getting New Style ESA, you won't be able to get an ESA Hardship Payment but you might be able to get a Universal Credit Hardship Payment.
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