Financial support if you have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work and have paid enough National Insurance contributions.
Many people who are entitled to support never claim it. Check who qualifies, how much you could get and how to make your claim through the official channel.
The rules depend on where you live in the UK and on your household’s circumstances.
What New Style Employment and Support Allowance offers
- Not means-tested: Your savings and partner's income do not affect it.
- Can top up Universal Credit: You may get Universal Credit at the same time.
- Permitted work: You may be able to do some work while you claim.
- Two groups: After assessment you are placed in the work-related activity group or the support group.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who can get it | People under State Pension age with a health condition or disability that affects their ability to work and enough National Insurance contributions |
| How much | Up to £75.65 (under 25) or £95.55 (25+) a week during assessment; up to £145.90 a week in the support group (2026/27) |
| How it's paid | Every 2 weeks into your account |
| How to claim | Online, or by phone if you cannot apply online |
| Assessment | You will usually need a Work Capability Assessment |
Key points
Not means-tested: Your savings and partner's income do not affect it.
Can top up Universal Credit: You may get Universal Credit at the same time.
Permitted work: You may be able to do some work while you claim.
About Department for Work and Pensions
New Style Employment and Support Allowance is run by Department for Work and Pensions. Claims are made free of charge through the official government channel.
We explain the rules independently and then send you to the official page to claim. We are not a government website.
Amounts and rules can change. The decision on your claim is made by Department for Work and Pensions.