Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - How do I claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)?

Contributory/New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

You can make a claim for Contributory/New Style ESA online, by telephone or relay services. 

I live in England, Scotland or Wales

You can apply online, by starting an application on the GOV.UK website.  

You can make a claim over the phone, by calling the Jobcentre Plus new claims helpline: 

• Telephone: 0800 055 6688 
• BSL Sign Language (BSL) users: Video Relay Service 
• Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 055 6688 
• Welsh language telephone: 0800 328 1744  

The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 5.00pm.

I live in Northern Ireland

You can apply online, by starting an application on the NI Direct website.  

You can make a claim over the phone, by calling the ESA Centre helpline:  

• Telephone: 0800 085 6318 
• Textphone: 0800 323 3419 
• Irish Sign Language (ISL) and British Sign Language (BSL) users: Video Relay Service  

The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 4.00pm. 

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

It's no longer possible to make a new claim for income-related Employment and Support Allowance.

What documents will I need to claim Employment and Support Allowance?

You should give your national insurance number . If you do not have a national insurance number , send in the claim form anyway to save delays. You may also be asked for proof of your identity, such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence.

When will my Employment and Support Allowance claim begin?

Employment and Support Allowance can be backdated for up to three months before the date of claim if you would have been entitled to it earlier. For example, if you had a health condition that meant you were unable to work. You will be asked to provide a medical certificate to show this. It does not matter why your claim is late. Request backdating when you make your claim.