Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is a new way of helping people with an illness or disability move into work, rather than stay on benefits. Employment and Support Allowance will be introduced on 27 October 2008 and replaces Incapacity Benefit and Income Support paid on incapacity grounds for new customers. It is managed and delivered by the Jobcentre Plus, who you will need to contact to make a claim for ESA.

ESA focuses on capability to work rather than incapacity. It is only for new claims. People already getting Incapacity Benefit will stay on this for the time being. You can claim ESA at the Job Centre Plus on 0800 055 6688.

Where do I go for more information?

For more information on Employment and Support Allowance visit www.dwp.gov.uk/esa.

How do I claim ESA and how do I get back to work?

Please view the Employment and Support Allowance PDF on the DWP website.

More information about benefits for working age people

Please visit: www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk.

For more information and official materials about welfare reform please visit: www.dwp.gov.uk/welfarereform.

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Page updated: 17 Sep 2008