The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is offering up to £200 per week through Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) to UK households where someone is affected by one of 22 specific medical conditions.
This lifeline supports those whose health significantly hinders their ability to work—making it vital to understand the details and check if you’re eligible.
What Is ESA and Who Can Apply?
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is a benefit designed to help individuals with a disability or health condition that limits their ability to work. It offers financial support and help to return to work if possible.
You can apply whether you’re employed, self-employed, or unemployed, and it includes New Style ESA, which provides National Insurance credits to bolster your State Pension rights .
The amount you receive depends on your application stage (assessment or main phase), your age, health condition, and whether you’re placed into the Work‑Related Activity Group or Support Group .
22 Medical Condition Categories Eligible for ESA
| Category | Approx. Cases |
|---|---|
| Mental & behavioural disorders | 689,342 |
| Musculoskeletal & connective tissue diseases | 176,399 |
| Symptoms/signs/abnormal findings | 127,699 |
| Nervous system diseases | 118,767 |
| Circulatory system diseases | 53,782 |
| Neoplasms (tumours) | 45,977 |
| Health status factors & service contact | 32,265 |
| Injury, poisoning & related causes | 31,970 |
| Respiratory system diseases | 31,281 |
| Digestive system diseases | 22,012 |
| Congenital malformations | 19,956 |
| Endocrine/metabolic diseases | 17,750 |
| Eye and adnexa diseases | 13,568 |
| Genito‑urinary diseases | 8,529 |
| Infectious/parasitic diseases | 6,834 |
| Ear and mastoid process diseases | 6,779 |
| Codes for special purposes | 6,664 |
| Skin & subcutaneous system diseases | 5,511 |
| Blood/immune system diseases | 3,106 |
| External morbidity/mortality causes | 2,922 |
| Pregnancy, childbirth & puerperium | 797 |
| Perinatal conditions | 7 |
These conditions qualify claimants to potentially receive up to £200 a week through ESA .
How Much Could You Receive?
- During the assessment phase (weeks 1–13), payments are up to £92.05/week (age 25+)
- If placed in the Support Group, you could receive up to £140.55/week
- Factoring in certain premiums (like the severe disability premium, which may add around £65.85/week), the total can approach £200/week, depending on individual circumstances .
Eligibility and How to Apply
- Eligibility: You must be under State Pension age, have a qualifying medical condition or disability, and—in the case of New Style ESA—have sufficient National Insurance contributions .
- How to Claim: Provide a sick-note from a doctor, complete the ESA50 capability questionnaire, and undergo a Work Capability Assessment.
- You will first receive an assessment rate, then potentially higher payments if placed in the correct group. Support is also available via a Work Coach and employment services.
If you or a household member has one of the 22 qualifying health conditions, you may be eligible for up to £200 per week through ESA.
The benefit not only provides immediate financial relief but also contributes to your State Pension via NI credits.
The application process, though medical and administrative, connects you to critical income and support services—so it’s well worth pursuing.
FAQs
Households where someone has one of 22 specified medical conditions and meets ESA eligibility (age, contribution, and medical assessment).
Through staged weekly payments—including assessment and support groups—and through additional disability-related premiums.
0 Comments