Employment and Support Allowance
A benefit for people whose disability or health condition limits their capability to work. Provides financial support and, where appropriate, help returning to work. Being phased out and replaced by Universal Credit for most new claimants, though existing claims and some 'new style' claims continue.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Official guidance sets out the two limbs of the benefit together: 'You can apply for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.' ESA gives claimants 'money to help with living costs if you're unable to work' and 'support to get back into work if you're able to.' The second limb matters because ESA is not simply an out-of-work payment — claimants assessed as able to prepare for a return to work are expected to engage with that support, while those assessed as unable to work are not.
Employment status when claiming does not bar an application: guidance confirms 'You can apply if you're employed, self-employed or unemployed', so someone can claim ESA to top up or support their situation regardless of whether they are currently working at all.
Related terms
Official sources
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