New Style Employment and Support Allowance

You may be able to get New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you have a disability or health condition that makes it hard to work. You can apply whether you are employed, self-employed or not working.

To get New Style ESA you usually need to have been working within the last two to three years, and have made (or been credited with) Class 1 or Class 2 National Insurance contributions.

New Style Employment Support Allowance gives you:

• money to help with living costs if you cannot work

• support to help you get back into work if you're able to.

You can check if your eligible for Employment and Support Allowance on the GOV.UK website (this link opens in a new tab and will take you away from our site)

If you need help with rent while claiming ESA, you will also need to apply for Universal Credit. You can find out more about Universal Credit on our helpful webpage. (This link will open in a new tab.)

For advice and support with benefits, please contact us. (This link will open in a new tab.)