The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has released updated guidance on Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), providing crucial details for individuals with disabilities or long-term health conditions that affect their ability to work. As part of the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable households, ESA offers monthly payments to those under state pension age who meet eligibility criteria.
The payments, which can reach up to £362 per month, are designed to provide financial relief to individuals facing significant barriers to employment due to their health. In April 2024, ESA rates were increased by 6.7% to reflect inflation, bringing additional support to those who need it most. The DWP also confirmed 23 specific medical conditions that may qualify for ESA, highlighting the program’s inclusivity and focus on health-related challenges.
If you believe you may qualify, understanding the updated rates and criteria is essential. Here’s what you need to know about the payment structure, the qualifying conditions, and how to apply.
Qualifying Medical Conditions
The DWP has identified the following medical conditions as eligible for ESA, provided they significantly impact an individual’s ability to work:
- Congenital malformations, deformations, and chromosomal abnormalities
- Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period
- Certain infectious and parasitic diseases
- Codes for special purposes
- Diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs
- Diseases of the circulatory system
- Diseases of the digestive system
- Diseases of the ear and mastoid process
- Diseases of the eye and adnexa
- Diseases of the genitourinary system
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
- Diseases of the nervous system
- Diseases of the respiratory system
- Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
- Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases
- External causes of morbidity and mortality
- Factors influencing health status and contact with health services
- Injury, poisoning, and certain other consequences of external causes
- Mental and behavioral disorders
- Neoplasms
- Pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium
- Symptoms, signs, and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings not elsewhere classified
- Unknown or undiagnosed conditions
Each condition is assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine its impact on the claimant’s ability to work.
Updated ESA Payment Rates
The new ESA rates apply to various categories, including premiums, personal allowances, pensioner rates, and components. Here’s a complete breakdown:
Severe Disability
- Severe disability, single: £81.50 (from £76.40)
- Severe disability, couple (lower rate): £81.50 (from £76.40)
- Severe disability, couple (higher rate): £163 (from £152.80)
- Carer: £45.60 (from £42.75)
Components
- Work-related activity: £35.95 (from £33.70)
- Support group: £47.70 (from £44.70)
Premiums
- Enhanced disability, single: £20.85 (from £19.55)
- Enhanced disability, couple: £29.75 (from £27.90)
Personal Allowance
- Single under 25: £71.70 (from £67.20)
- Single aged 25 or over: £90.50 (from £84.80)
- Lone parent under 18: £71.70 (from £67.20)
- Lone parent over 18: £90.50 (from £84.80)
- Both under 18: £71.70 (from £67.20)
- Both under 18 with child: £108.30 (from £101.50)
- Both under 18 (main phase): £90.50 (from £84.80)
- Both under 18 with child (main phase): £142.30 (from £133.30)
- Both over 18: £142.25 (from £133.30)
Pensioner Rates
- Pensioner, single with work-related activity component: £91.70 (from £82.55)
- Pensioner, single with support component: £79.95 (from £71.55)
- Pensioner, single with no component: £127.65 (from £116.25)
- Pensioner, couple with work-related activity component: £154.75 (from £139.85)
- Pensioner, couple with support component: £143 (from £128.85)
- Pensioner, couple with no component: £190.70 (from £173.55)
How to Apply for ESA
Applications for ESA can be submitted online or via phone at 0800 055 6688. To apply, you’ll need the following:
- Your National Insurance number.
- Bank or building society details.
- A fit note from your doctor.
- Details about your income if applicable.
After submitting your application, most claimants receive an assessment rate for up to 13 weeks before being placed in either the work-related activity group or the support group.
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