A variety of conditions could make you eligible for ESA (Image: Getty)
Brits could be missing out on hundreds of pounds worth of cash support, the Department for Work and Pensions () has warned. The Government body currently offers up to £518 a month to those with a specific disability or health condition.
The currently provides employment and support allowance (ESA) to roughly 1.7 million people throughout the UK.
This benefit is designed to help cover additional costs if you have a disability or health condition that restricts your ability to work.
As reported by , you can apply for “new-style” ESA if you are below age, have a disability or health condition that impacts your ability to work, and have been employed or self-employed and paid enough National Insurance contributions typically over the past two to three years.
It’s important to note that new-style ESA cannot be claimed alongside jobseeker’s allowance or statutory sick pay, but it can be claimed concurrently with universal credit. However, if you receive both benefits, your universal credit payment will be reduced by the amount you get for new-style ESA.
A range of conditions could make you eligible for ESA. Here’s everything you need to know about ESA, including potential amounts you could receive, qualifying health conditions, and how to claim the money.
How do I apply for ESA and which conditions qualify?
You can submit your application for ESA or by calling 0800 055 6688. The following information will be required for the application.
To apply, you’ll need your National Insurance number, your bank or building society account number and sort code (you can use a friend or family member’s account if you do not have one), your doctor’s name, address, and telephone number. If you’ve been unable to work for more than seven consecutive days due to a disability or health condition, you’ll also need a fit note (sometimes referred to as a ‘sick note’ or a ‘statement of fitness for work’).
If you’re working, details of your income will be required, along with the date your statutory sick pay (SSP) ends if you’re claiming it.
After applying, you’ll be contacted by phone and informed when and where to submit the necessary evidence. Typically, while your claim is being assessed, you’ll receive the ‘assessment rate’ for 13 weeks.
This includes up to £67.20 a week if you’re under 25, and up to £84.80 a week if you’re 25 or over.
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If your claim assessment extends beyond 13 weeks, you’ll continue receiving the “assessment rate” until a decision is made or your ESA expires. Once assessed, 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 placed in the work-related activity group. Otherwise, you’ll be assigned to the support group.
The weekly rates are up to £84.80 if you’re in the work-related activity group, and up to £129.50 if you’re in the support group.
ESA payments are distributed every two weeks. For example, if you’re in the support group, this amounts to £518 per month.
If you’re a member of the support group and receive income-related ESA, you’re also entitled to the enhanced disability premium. You may also be eligible for the severe disability premium. These are extra amounts added to your ESA.
Who is eligible?
So, which medical conditions qualify for ESA? According to data from the , there are 22 categories of medical conditions that could potentially make you eligible for ESA. These include:
- Certain infectious and parasitic diseases
- Neoplasms
- Diseases of the blood and blood forming organs and certain diseases involving the immune mechanism
- Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases
- Mental and behavioural disorders
- Diseases of the nervous system
- Diseases of the eye and adnexa
- Diseases of the ear and mastoid process
- Diseases of the circulatory system
- Diseases of the respiratory system
- Diseases of the digestive system
- Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous system
- Disease of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
- Diseases of the genito-urinary system
- Pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium
- Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period
- Congenital malformations, deformations, and chromosomal abnormalities
- Symptoms, signs, and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings not elsewhere classified
- Injury, poisoning, and certain other consequences of external causes
- External causes of morbidity and mortality
- Factors influencing health status and contact with health services
- Unknown or claimants without diagnosis on the system.