Britons living with one of 22 medical conditions could be eligible for a substantial financial uplift from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The DWP offers up to £518 a month through the “new-style” employment and support allowance (ESA) to people coping with certain disabilities or health issues.
Currently, approximately 1.7 million individuals across the country draw on ESA to help cover the extra costs that arise when their ability to work is impeded by a disability or illness. To qualify for “new-style” ESA, you must be below the state pension age, have a disability or health condition that affects your work, and have paid enough National Insurance contributions generally within the last two to three years, reports WalesOnline.
It’s important for applicants to understand that “new-style” ESA cannot be claimed at the same time as jobseeker’s allowance or statutory sick pay. However, it’s possible to receive it concurrently with universal credit, though doing so will decrease the amount of universal credit received by the equivalent amount of ESA awarded. A variety of health conditions can make an individual eligible for ESA.
How to claim
Here’s what you need to know about ESA, including who might be entitled, which health issues are included in the criteria, and how you can start the claims process. To apply for ESA, you can either proceed online or by calling 0800 055 6688.
Make sure to have all the necessary details ready when submitting an application. To apply for ESA, you’ll need several key pieces of information. This includes your National Insurance number, bank or building society account details (you can use an account belonging to a friend or family member if you don’t have one), your doctor’s contact details, and a fit note if you’ve been unable to work for more than seven days due to a disability or health condition.
If you’re currently in employment, you’ll also need to provide details of your income, and the date your statutory sick pay ends if you’re claiming it. After submitting your application, you’ll receive a phone call with instructions on when and where to send your supporting evidence.
During the assessment period of your claim, which typically lasts 13 weeks, you’ll usually receive the ‘assessment rate’. This is up to £67.20 a week if you’re under 25, or up to £84.80 a week if you’re 25 or over.
If your assessment extends beyond 13 weeks, you’ll continue receiving the ‘assessment rate’ until a decision is made or your ESA expires. Once your assessment is finalised, if you’re eligible for ESA, you’ll be categorised into one of two groups.
If there’s potential for future employment, you’ll be in the work-related activity group. If not, you’ll be in the support group. The weekly payments are up to £84.80 for the work-related activity group, and up to £129.50 for the support group. ESA payments are made fortnightly. So, if you’re in the support group, this equates to £518 per month.
If you belong to the support group and are in receipt of income-related ESA, you might also be eligible for the enhanced disability premium. Furthermore, you could qualify for the severe disability premium. These are extra amounts that are added to your ESA.
Eligible conditions
According to information from the DWP, there are 22 categories of medical conditions that could potentially make you eligible for ESA. These include: