New Style Employment and Support Allowance

A contribution-based benefit if you cannot work because of a health condition or disability and have paid enough National Insurance.

What you get

A weekly payment if you qualify. 2026 to 2027 weekly personal allowance rates, from 6 April 2026: £75.65 if you are under 25, or £95.55 if you are 25 or over (or a lone parent aged 18 or over). A work-related activity component of £37.95 or a support component of £50.35 may be added after assessment, for contributory and New Style ESA. As of 6 April 2026, from the official DWP rates. You can sometimes get New Style ESA and Universal Credit together, with ESA usually taken into account as income.

Who can get it

You need enough National Insurance contributions, and a health condition or disability that affects your ability to work. New Style ESA is not means-tested in the same way as income-related ESA, but contribution conditions apply. Income-related ESA is closed to most new claims — Universal Credit is the usual means-tested route. Northern Ireland has its own ESA service.

Related entitlements

• Universal Credit LCWRA (health element)

Official sources we checked

• https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance
• https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance
• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/benefit-and-pension-rates-2026-to-2027/proposed-benefit-and-pension-rates-2026-to-2027

Last checked 10 November 2026. This page is information, not an eligibility decision or legal advice. Always confirm the current rules on the official source before you apply.