Employment and Support Allowance
You might be eligible to claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) if you're under State Pension age and your ability to work is limited by ill health or disability, such as Parkinson's.
On this page
- What is ESA?
- Do I qualify for ESA?
- How do I claim ESA?
- How will my eligibility for ESA be assessed?
- What does the ESA application process involve?
- Challenging the decision
- How much is new-style ESA?
- What work is permitted with ESA?
- Will ESA affect other benefits?
- What can I do if ESA is time-limited?
- Changes to ESA
- Get more support from our helpline
- Download this information as a PDF
What is ESA?
ESA is a benefit for people under State Pension age whose ability to work is limited because of ill health or a disability.
The benefit has 2 parts: new-style ESA and income-related ESA.
New-style ESA
If you're of working age, have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work, and have paid enough in National Insurance contributions, you may be eligible for new-style ESA.
Payment of new-style ESA is usually limited to 12 months. However, it can be paid for longer if you're placed in the 'support group'. People with Parkinson's may qualify for this (see 'How will my eligibility for ESA be assessed?' section below).
New-style ESA used to be called 'contributory ESA'.
Income-related ESA
Income-related ESA is a means-tested benefit that's now been replaced by Universal Credit. It's no longer possible to make a new claim for income-related ESA.
If you're already getting income-related ESA, you'll be moved over to Universal Credit by spring 2026.
Do I qualify for ESA?
To qualify for ESA, you must:
- not be working (apart from limited, permitted work – see 'What work is permitted with ESA?' section below)
- be aged 16 or over
- be under State Pension age. You can find out your State Pension age on the GOV.UK website
- live in Great Britain
- not be entitled to Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance or Statutory Sick Pay
- have a limited capability for work. This is tested under the Work Capability Assessment (see below)
- not receive Carer's Allowance, Carer Support Payment, Retirement Pension or Maternity Allowance.
How do I claim ESA?
You can claim ESA online on the GOV.UK website.
You can also claim by phone - call 0800 055 6688 (textphone: 0800 328 1344).
If you're claiming Universal Credit alongside ESA, the Department for Work and Pensions would prefer you to claim online.
To be accepted as not fit for work you'll be expected to provide a medical certificate from your doctor (commonly known as a 'fit note' or 'sick note') until you've undergone the Work Capability Assessment (see below).
How will my eligibility for ESA be assessed?
If you apply for ESA you'll normally go through an 'assessment phase'. During this you'll undergo a 'Work Capability Assessment'.
The Work Capability Assessment has 2 aims:
- To assess whether you have a 'limited capability for work'. If you do, you're considered eligible for ESA.
- To assess whether you have a 'limited capability for work-related activity'. If you do, you'll be placed in the 'support group'. This means you'll receive a higher rate of ESA, which can be paid indefinitely (with no end date), and you won't need to take any action to improve your employment prospects.
The assessment phase should last for 13 weeks, although it can be extended if there's a delay in carrying out the assessment (delays are common). During the assessment phase, you'll be paid just a basic allowance of ESA.
The 'limited capability for work' assessment
The first part of the Work Capability Assessment determines if you're entitled to ESA at all. It looks at your physical, mental and cognitive health to decide whether you have a 'limited capability for work'.
A points system is used to see how well you can carry out a range of activities, such as moving around, standing and sitting, reaching, communicating, manual dexterity (using your hands), behaving appropriately, socialising and keeping safe.
Some people are automatically treated as having a limited capability for work without this assessment. This includes people who are terminally ill, receiving cancer treatment (chemotherapy or radiotherapy), have an infectious disease, are in hospital, are pregnant, have a serious risk to their health, or receive dialysis.
The 'limited capability for work-related activity' assessment
The second part of the assessment determines what rate of ESA you'll get, how long you'll be entitled to ESA for, and whether you'll need to take action to improve your employment prospects or not.
It looks at whether you have a 'limited capability for work-related activity'. If you do, you'll be placed in the 'support group'. If you don't, you'll be placed in the 'work-related activity group'.
To be assessed as having a 'limited capability for work', you need to score 15 points or more from the criteria below. Add together the highest score from each activity heading that applies to you.
If any tasks marked in bold apply, you'll also be classed as having a 'limited capability for work-related activity'.
The assessment takes into account your abilities when using any aid or appliance you would normally or could reasonably use.
1. Mobilising unaided by another person, with or without a walking stick, manual wheelchair or other aid if such aid is normally or could reasonably be worn or used
A. Cannot, unaided by another person, either: (i) mobilise more than 50 metres on level ground without stopping in order to avoid significant discomfort or exhaustion, or (ii) repeatedly mobilise 50 metres within a reasonable timescale because of significant discomfort or exhaustion. 15 points
B. Cannot, unaided by another person, mount or descend 2 steps even with the support of a handrail. 9 points
C. Cannot, unaided by another person, either: (i) mobilise more than 100 metres on level ground without stopping in order to avoid significant discomfort or exhaustion, or (ii) repeatedly mobilise 100 metres within a reasonable timescale because of significant discomfort or exhaustion. 9 points
D. Cannot, unaided by another person, either: (i) mobilise more than 200 metres on level ground without stopping in order to avoid significant discomfort or exhaustion, or (ii) repeatedly mobilise 200 metres within a reasonable timescale because of significant discomfort or exhaustion. 6 points
E. None of the above applies. 0 points
2. Standing and sitting
A. Cannot move between one seated position and another seated position which are located next to one another without receiving physical assistance from another person. 15 points
B. Cannot, for the majority of the time, remain at a work station either: (i) standing unassisted by another person (even if free to move around), or (ii) sitting (even in an adjustable chair), or (iii) a combination of paragraphs (i) and (ii) for more than 30 minutes, before needing to move away in order to avoid significant discomfort or exhaustion. 9 points
C. Cannot, for the majority of the time, remain at a work station either: (i) standing unassisted by another person (even if free to move around), or (ii) sitting (even in an adjustable chair), or (iii) a combination of paragraphs (i) and (ii) for more than an hour before needing to move away in order to avoid significant discomfort or exhaustion. 6 points
D. None of the above applies. 0 points
3. Reaching
A. Cannot raise either arm as if to put something in the top pocket of a jacket. 15 points
B. Cannot raise either arm to top of head as if to put on a hat. 9 points
C. Cannot raise either arm above head height as if to reach for something. 6 points
D. None of the above applies. 0 points
4. Picking up and moving or transferring by the use of the upper body and arms
A. Cannot pick up and move a 0.5 litre carton full of liquid. 15 points
B. Cannot pick up and move a 1 litre carton full of liquid. 9 points
C. Cannot transfer a light but bulky object such as an empty cardboard box. 6 points
D. None of the above applies. 0 points
5. Manual dexterity
A. Cannot press a button (such as a telephone keypad) with either hand or cannot turn the pages of a book with either hand. 15 points
B. Cannot pick up a £1 coin or equivalent with either hand. 15 points
C. Cannot use a pen or pencil to make a meaningful mark with either hand. 9 points
D. Cannot single-handedly use a suitable keyboard or mouse. 9 points
E. None of the above applies. 0 points
6. Making self understood through speaking, writing, typing, or other means which are normally or could reasonably be used, unaided by another person
A. Cannot convey a simple message, such as the presence of a hazard. 15 points
B. Has significant difficulty conveying a simple message to strangers. 15 points
C. Has some difficulty conveying a simple message to strangers. 6 points
D. None of the above applies. 0 points
7. Understanding communication by: (i) verbal means (such as hearing or lip reading) alone, (ii) non-verbal means (such as reading 16-point print or Braille) alone, or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii) using any aid that is normally or could reasonably be used, unaided by another person
A. Cannot understand a simple message, such as the location of a fire escape, due to sensory impairment. 15 points
B. Has significant difficulty understanding a simple message from a stranger due to sensory impairment. 15 points
C. Has some difficulty understanding a simple message from a stranger due to sensory impairment. 6 points
D. None of the above applies. 0 points
8. Navigation and maintaining safety, using a guide dog or other aid if either or both are normally used or could reasonably be used
A. Unable to navigate around familiar surroundings, without being accompanied by another person, due to sensory impairment. 15 points
B. Cannot safely complete a potentially hazardous task such as crossing the road, without being accompanied by another person, due to sensory impairment. 15 points
C. Unable to navigate around unfamiliar surroundings, without being accompanied by another person, due to sensory impairment. 9 points
D. None of the above applies. 0 points
9. Absence or loss of control while conscious leading to extensive evacuation of the bowel and/or bladder, other than enuresis (bedwetting), despite the wearing or use of any aids or adaptations which are normally or could reasonably be worn or used
A. At least once a month experiences: (i) loss of control leading to extensive evacuation of the bowel and/or voiding of the bladder, or (ii) substantial leakage of the contents of a collecting device, sufficient to require cleaning and a change in clothing. 15 points
B. The majority of the time is at risk of loss of control leading to extensive evacuation of the bowel and/or voiding of the bladder, sufficient to require cleaning and a change in clothing, if not able to reach a toilet quickly. 6 points
C. None of the above applies. 0 points
10. Consciousness during waking moments
A. At least once a week, has an involuntary episode of lost or altered consciousness resulting in significantly disrupted awareness or concentration. 15 points
B. At least once a month, has an involuntary episode of lost or altered consciousness resulting in significantly disrupted awareness or concentration. 6 points
C. None of the above applies. 0 points
11. Learning tasks
A. Cannot learn how to complete a simple task, such as setting an alarm clock. 15 points
B. Cannot learn anything beyond a simple task, such as setting an alarm clock. 9 points
C. Cannot learn anything beyond a moderately complex task, such as the steps involved in operating a washing machine to clean clothes. 6 points
D. None of the above applies. 0 points
12. Awareness of everyday hazards (such as boiling water or sharp objects)
A. Reduced awareness of everyday hazards leads to a significant risk of: (i) injury to self or others, or (ii) damage to property or possessions such that the claimant requires supervision for the majority of the time to maintain safety. 15 points
B. Reduced awareness of everyday hazards leads to a significant risk of: (i) injury to self or others, or (ii) damage to property or possessions such that the claimant frequently requires supervision to maintain safety. 9 points
C. Reduced awareness of everyday hazards leads to a significant risk of: (i) injury to self or others, or (ii) damage to property or possessions such that the claimant occasionally requires supervision to maintain safety. 6 points
D. None of the above applies. 0 points
13. Initiating and completing personal action (which means planning, organisation, problem solving, prioritising or switching tasks)
A. Cannot, due to impaired mental function, reliably initiate or complete at least 2 sequential personal actions. 15 points
B. Cannot, due to impaired mental function, reliably initiate or complete at least 2 sequential personal actions for the majority of the time. 9 points
C. Frequently cannot, due to impaired mental function, reliably initiate or complete at least 2 sequential personal actions. 6 points
D. None of the above applies. 0 points
14. Coping with change
A. Cannot cope with any change to the extent that day-to-day life cannot be managed. 15 points
B. Cannot cope with minor planned change (such as a pre-arranged change to the routine time scheduled for a lunch break), to the extent that, overall, day-to-day life is made significantly more difficult. 9 points
C. Cannot cope with minor unplanned change (such as the timing of an appointment on the day it is due to happen), to the extent that, overall, day-to-day life is made significantly more difficult. 6 points
D. None of the above applies. 0 points
15. Getting about
A. Cannot get to any place outside of the claimant's home with which the claimant is familiar. 15 points
B. Is unable to get to a specified place with which the claimant is familiar, without being accompanied by another person. 9 points
C. Is unable to get to a specified place with which the claimant is unfamiliar without being accompanied by another person. 6 points
D. None of the above applies. 0 points
16. Coping with social engagement due to cognitive impairment or mental disorder
A. Engagement in social contact is always precluded due to difficulty relating to others or significant distress experienced by the claimant. 15 points
B. Engagement in social contact with someone unfamiliar to the claimant is always precluded due to difficulty relating to others or significant distress experienced by the claimant. 9 points
C. Engagement in social contact with someone unfamiliar to the claimant is not possible for the majority of the time due to difficulty relating to others or significant distress experienced by the claimant. 6 points
D. None of the above applies. 0 points
17. Appropriateness of behaviour with other people due to cognitive impairment or mental disorder
A. Has, on a daily basis, uncontrollable episodes of aggressive or disinhibited behaviour that would be unreasonable in any workplace. 15 points
B. Frequently has uncontrollable episodes of aggressive or disinhibited behaviour that would be unreasonable in any workplace. 15 points
C. Occasionally has uncontrollable episodes of aggressive or disinhibited behaviour that would be unreasonable in any workplace. 9 points
D. None of the above applies. 0 points
The support group
If you're put in the support group, it means the Department for Work and Pensions has decided that you're unable to work and that it doesn't expect you to do anything to improve your chances of finding work.
You'll get a higher rate of ESA payment, and it can be paid indefinitely (which means it’s paid for as long as you continue to meet the conditions for it).
You'll be placed in the support group if there's a 'substantial risk' to your mental or physical health if you're not found to have a limited capability for work-related activity. For more details on this, call the Parkinson’s UK helpline.
If you're in the support group, you won't have to take part in work-related activities, but you can do paid work with strict limitations or voluntary work if you want to. See below for more details.
The work-related activity group
If you're put in the work-related activity group, it means the Department for Work and Pensions has decided that your disability or health condition does limit your ability to work at the moment, but there are things you can do to improve this situation.
You'll have to meet strict work-related conditions to continue receiving ESA in full. This involves attending a series of work-focused interviews.
At these interviews, a work coach will discuss with you your work prospects, the steps you're willing to take to move into work and the support available to you.
Your benefit can be reduced (or 'sanctioned') if you don't meet the work-related conditions.
You'll receive a basic ESA payment and it will be limited to 12 months. You can do paid work with strict limitations or voluntary work if you want to. See below for more details.
The work-related activity group is also known as the 'limited capability for work group'.
Universal Credit
The Work Capability Assessment is also used for Universal Credit, the benefit that's currently replacing several existing means-tested benefits, including the income-related part of ESA.
The Work Capability Assessment works out whether you're entitled to the 'limited capability for work-related activity' element of Universal Credit and what, if any, work-related requirements you must meet to keep receiving the benefit in full.
What does the ESA application process involve?
The capability for work questionnaire
As part of your application for ESA, you'll be asked to complete a capability for work questionnaire (called ESA50 or UC50) unless you're terminally ill.
This questionnaire asks about your ability to complete different tasks. The questions relate to the activities in the limited capability for work assessment (see above).
We've put together some advice on filling out the form, and some example answers, below.
If you're not sure how to complete this questionnaire, get in touch with our helpline, or contact Citizens Advice or another local advice centre.
- The questionnaire asks whether you can do certain tasks without problems. You can answer 'yes', 'no' or 'it varies'. The last answer is helpful if your condition changes, which is highly likely to be the case if you have Parkinson's. You might find it useful to keep a diary over a few days of your day-to-day problems, to help answer this correctly.
- Each of your answers should take into account tiredness, pain and discomfort and whether you can repeat the activity. If you're not able to complete a task repeatedly, or without pain or discomfort, then you should be treated as being unable to do it.
- Remember that non-physical problems are just as important to the assessment as physical problems. So do include information about non-physical difficulties such as depression, memory problems or hallucinations.
- Use the box provided in each section to give extra information about the problems you have with each task. For example, if a task causes discomfort, pain or tiredness, you should say so. If your condition varies, give an idea of how many days you would be able to do the task and how many you would not.
- You must be able to do each task safely and to an acceptable standard. You should also be able to do it as often as you need to, and in a reasonable time, so you achieve an outcome seen as 'normal'. Make a note whenever this is not the case, and explain how long it takes compared to before your Parkinson's had an impact.
- Think about whether you could do each task in a workplace setting. Include information about any injuries or accidents that have happened when you've tried to do a task.
- Explain how much rest or medication you need after doing a particular task.
- If a task would pose a risk to your health, enough to put off any reasonable person from doing it, then you should be treated as being unable to do it.
- If your doctor, physiotherapist or another health professional has told you to avoid an activity, make sure you put this on the form.
- You can attach a detailed statement to the questionnaire, setting out how Parkinson's (and any other health issues) affects you. This could be a diary, making clear what your difficulties are on a good day, a bad day and an average day. Comment generally, as well as specifically about actual work situations. Make several copies of your statement (1 of which you could give to the healthcare professional at your assessment - see below).
- If you have to appeal against a benefit decision, the questionnaire and your statement will make up part of the evidence put before the tribunal. It's important that you don't miss anything out and that you give as much information as you can.
- You should attach copies of any medical evidence to the questionnaire if possible.
- Parkinson's affects people differently, and some people with the condition may also have other illnesses or disabilities. So, depending on the individual, any of the activities in the questionnaire might be important. Because of this it's crucial that you read the whole questionnaire very carefully.
Below are some things to think about and example answers you may be able to use when you're filling in the 'How your conditions affect you' section of the capability for work questionnaire.
Moving around and using steps
This includes using aids like crutches, a walking stick or a manual wheelchair (but not an electric wheelchair), if you normally or could reasonably use them.
So if, for example, you can't use crutches or a stick because it would be too painful or difficult, or if you don't use a manual wheelchair because it wouldn't make getting around any easier, then you should explain why.
Most people with Parkinson's experience problems with moving around. You may not be able to physically move, or may feel so tired from doing so that you need to stabilise yourself by leaning on furniture. You may feel so sick, exhausted and 'off' that you often have to lie down.
Example response:
"On most days, I can stand and move using walking sticks and manage about 20 to 30 metres, before I need to stop due to tiredness. I then need to sit down for 5 to 10 minutes. My condition changes from day to day, and sometimes I can't move very well at all. I fall often if I don't use my walking sticks, and my balance is badly affected."
Picking up and moving things
This looks at your ability to pick up and move light objects (such as a carton of liquid or an empty cardboard box). You may have a tendency to drop such things, due to poor grip or tremor. If you have dropped items like this in the past, write down what happened. This way, you may be able to show that you can't do the task in question reliably.
Example response:
"My grip in both hands is poor, and on most days I have a tremor. Trying to drink a glass of juice at mealtimes can be very difficult and I often end up spilling it."
Manual dexterity
This test is assessing whether you can manage the tasks with either hand. Some people with Parkinson's may have problems with their grip and fine finger movements. Tremor can also cause problems with manual dexterity.
Example response:
"Because of my tremor I can’t use my computer anymore. I press the wrong keys and end up typing nonsense. I can’t use the mouse, and keep managing to delete anything I have typed. My daughter tells me she can't read my handwriting."
Communicating – speaking, writing and typing
This may be relevant if your condition affects your speech and you also have difficulties in writing or typing. It asks if you can convey a simple message through any of these means. So, if you think this applies, you should give details of all your difficulties with speech, writing, typing and any other means (for example, texting on a mobile phone), explaining why this is difficult.
Even if you've already mentioned dexterity problems, you should mention them here too, as each stage of the test is assessed separately.
Example response:
"I find verbal communication very difficult. My voice is very quiet and sometimes my speech is slurred. I also find it hard to type or write because of a physical tremor."
Controlling your bowels or bladder and using a collecting device
Some people with Parkinson's will develop problems with their bladder and bowels, such as incontinence. Some people may also have problems reaching the toilet in time, due to difficulties with movement. Some people with Parkinson's may need to use continence pads, or need someone to help them go to the toilet.
Example response:
"I have a lot of difficulty with bladder and bowel problems. I have to visit the toilet several times during the night. This can be incredibly difficult, because sometimes I can't move quickly enough to get to the toilet on time and I have an accident. My daughter needs to clean up afterwards. She needs to do this about once a week."
Learning how to do tasks
This might apply if you have memory problems.
Example response:
"Parkinson's has caused me to have memory problems, so I have difficulty remembering instructions I have just been given.
"Even if someone tells me how to do something 2 or 3 times, I tend to forget. I need visual prompts, such as notices around the house to remind me to do everyday tasks. Learning anything beyond a simple task is now beyond me."
Awareness of hazards or danger
This may apply if your concentration has been affected, so you're less aware of potential risks. Mention any accidents you've had because of this and list any injuries you sustained as a result. Also, if you don't try certain activities because of the risks, then say so and explain why.
Example response:
"My mind tends to wander and I can forget that I have started doing something. I left a pan of beans on the hob last month and it burnt dry. Fortunately a neighbour noticed before fire took hold. 3 weeks ago I turned on the bath taps and flooded the bathroom. My daughter comes round several times a week now, to ensure I am safe."
Coping with social situations
Some people with Parkinson's may get extremely anxious or distressed meeting people and may need constant support to engage. This may be due to cognitive issues, such as dementia.
Example response:
"Anxiety is a symptom of Parkinson's and I experience this quite often, especially when in crowds of people.
"Because I often 'freeze' this makes anxiety a lot worse, so social situations are difficult for me. I have difficulty making facial expressions because of rigid facial muscles. This makes it difficult to express my emotions, and I am often misunderstood. I am no longer able to mix with people I don't know."
Eating and drinking
This relates to your ability to get food and drink to your mouth without help and also your ability to chew and swallow food. It may be difficult to put food or drink to your mouth because of tremor or weakness.
Some people with Parkinson's will need help to eat food or drink, because of swallowing problems, which can cause choking. They may also need prompting because of memory problems.
Example response:
"I have problems eating because I have difficulty swallowing, I often fail to swallow a mouthful of food and have choked. This causes a fear of choking, so I don't eat unless I have help. This has led to weight loss. I need prompting and encouragement to help me eat and often need help to cut up food, as I find it difficult to grip cutlery."
The assessment with a healthcare professional
Once you've sent in your capability for work questionnaire, you may be asked to attend an assessment carried out by a healthcare professional.
Most assessments are done on the phone or via video. If you think you'll have problems getting to the venue for a face-to-face assessment, it's important to explain this and ask for an alternative arrangement, such as a home visit or phone assessment.
Set out any risk to your health if you were to try to go to their venue. It may be necessary to get a letter from a healthcare professional to back this up.
- During the assessment, explain your physical abilities as well as you can. You shouldn't assume the professional assessing you knows you can only do a task with discomfort or that your ability to do it changes because of your condition. Tell them about any pain or discomfort the task causes and how you'd feel if you had to keep repeating it.
- Focus on the problems you have, rather than on how you manage them.
- The healthcare professional assessing you shouldn't base their opinion of your condition on the day they meet you, but on the effects of your condition over time. So if you're having a good day when you have your assessment, you'll need to tell them this, and explain how your condition affects you most of the time, and how you are at your worst.
- When they ask about your mental or other non-physical difficulties, the healthcare professional assessing you should find out how your condition affects your day-to-day abilities. When you explain this, tell them how you are most of the time. If your condition changes day-to-day or over the course of a day, tell them how often it changes and for how long.
- You might find it helpful to have someone with you, such as a friend or relative. They can fill in the gaps of what you tell the healthcare professional.
- If you've made a written statement or diary, give the healthcare professional a copy of it.
Challenging the decision
Asking for a reconsideration
If you're refused ESA or Universal Credit after the assessment, and you disagree with the decision, you can ask the Department for Work and Pensions for a 'mandatory reconsideration' of the decision.
Or for ESA you can go straight to an appeal. This fast-track appeal option only applies for new claims - it‘s not available if you have previously claimed ESA.
You can also request a mandatory reconsideration or appeal if you're put into the work-related activity group and you think you should be in the support group (and therefore would not have ESA limited to 12 months).
You must ask for the mandatory reconsideration or appeal within 1 month of the date on the decision letter.
If you miss this deadline but are within 13 months of the decision you can still ask for a mandatory reconsideration or appeal, but will need to show a 'good' reason for being late.
You can ask for a mandatory reconsideration by phone (call the number on your decision letter), but it's best to put your request in writing and keep a copy of your letter.
You can download and use CRMR1 mandatory reconsideration form from the GOV.UK website, but don't have to.
In any letter you send, include your National Insurance number, the date of the disputed decision (on your letter from the Department for Work and Pensions) and why you believe it's wrong.
Appealing the decision
If your mandatory reconsideration request is unsuccessful, you can decide to appeal ESA and Universal Credit decisions to an independent tribunal.
You should ask for the appeal within 1 month of the date on the decision letter, but if you have a good reason for being late, you have a maximum of 13 months to request the appeal. You should contact the Parkinson's UK helpline for more information about appealing.
- If you're in England, Wales or Scotland, you can appeal online on the GOV.UK website.
- If you're in Northern Ireland, you can appeal on the NI Direct website.
When you're told about the mandatory reconsideration decision you'll be sent 2 copies of the mandatory reconsideration notice. This is the Department for Work and Pensions' decision.
When you complete the appeal form attach the mandatory reconsideration decision and list all the descriptors you think apply to you. The form will also ask if you want to attend an appeal hearing. You stand a better chance of winning your case if you do.
Appeal papers will then be sent to you. These will contain the report from the assessment with the health professional that was used in making the decision. This will show you where you need to dispute the decision or identify where misunderstandings have occurred.
Try to get medical evidence to back up your case. For example, you could get a letter from your Parkinson's nurse confirming which descriptors they think apply to you. Send a copy of this evidence to the tribunal before your appeal hearing.
You might want to contact an advice centre, such as Citizens Advice or local advice services, to see if they can give you advice and perhaps represent you at the tribunal.
What if my condition gets worse before the appeal?
A tribunal can only look at how your condition was at the time of the decision that you're appealing. If your condition has got significantly worse since then, you could consider making a new claim for ESA.
However, this is a complex area and it's best to get advice first. Contact our helpline, or get in touch with Citizens Advice or another local advice centre.
How much is new-style ESA?
For the first 13 weeks of your claim (the 'assessment phase'), you're paid the basic allowance. This amount depends on your age:
Assessment phase per week
- Aged under 25 years £72.90
- Aged 25 years and over £92.05
During the assessment phase, you should undergo the Work Capability Assessment. If you’re found to have a limited capability for work at this assessment, then from the 14th week of your claim you'll enter the 'main phase'.
Once in the main phase, you'll receive the basic allowance, plus the 'support component' if you're placed in the support group.
Main phase per week
- Basic allowance £92.05/£72.90
- Support component £48.50
If you have an occupational or personal pension that pays more than £85 a week, then for any amount over this limit, your ESA payment will be reduced by half that amount. For example, a pension paying £100 per week will reduce your ESA payment by £7.50 per week (£100 - £85 = £15, half that = £7.50).
What work is permitted with ESA?
The general rule is that, if you do any work, you're not entitled to ESA. You are, however, allowed to do 'permitted work'.
The rules allow you to:
- work for under 16 hours a week and earn up to £195.50 a week, or
- earn up to £195.50 a week if you're doing 'supported permitted work'
'Supported permitted work' is work that's supervised by an employee of a public or voluntary body, whose job it is to arrange job opportunities for disabled people.
It can also be work carried out as part of your treatment programme under medical supervision while you're a patient in hospital or a regular outpatient.
Earnings from permitted work will not affect your ESA amount.
You must inform the Department for Work and Pensions that you're due to start permitted work (you can call the helpline on 0800 169 0310).
If you live in Northern Ireland, contact the Employment and Support Allowance Centre on 0800 587 1377.
Will ESA affect other benefits?
You can get ESA at the same time as other benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit.
You can't usually get ESA at the same time as Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) or Income Support.
If you're employed but you can't work, you'll usually get Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from your employer for 28 weeks. You can't get SSP and ESA at the same time.
Receiving income-related ESA (or Universal Credit, if you've been moved over) can provide access to:
- Sure Start Maternity Grants and Funeral Payments to help with costs for a loved one's funeral
- Support for Mortgage Interest Loans, which provide help through repayable loans towards the costs of the interest on your mortgage
- Help with NHS charges such as prescriptions, vouchers for glasses and help with hospital travel fares.
If you only get new-style ESA, you can apply for help with NHS charges under the Low Income Scheme, but this will be means-tested. Find out more about the NHS Low Income Scheme on its website.
The benefit cap
A 'benefit cap' limits the total amount of out-of-work and children's benefits you can receive. The cap varies according to your circumstances, and whether or not you live in Greater London.
- In Greater London, the cap is £326.29 a week for single people with no children and £486.98 a week for single parents and couples (with or without children).
- Outside Greater London, the cap is £283.71 a week for single people with no children and £423.46 a week for single parents and couples (with or without children).
You'll be exempt from the benefit cap if you (or anyone in your household) are getting ESA with the support component or Universal Credit with 'limited capability for work-related activity'.
You're also exempt if you get paid any of the disability-focused benefits.
What can I do if ESA is time-limited?
If your ESA is terminated after the 12-month payment period, you have several options.
In all the following situations, you'll need to show you still have a limited capability for work. You'll probably need to complete a new capability for work questionnaire and take part in a new Work Capability Assessment.
1. Reclaim ESA
At the end of the first 12 months, you can reclaim ESA after a gap of 12 weeks if you can use a different tax year for your new second claim.
So if the first claim used your National Insurance contributions in the tax years 2019/20 and 2020/21 and the second uses your National Insurance contributions in the tax years 2020/21 and 2021/22 (because of the date of the new claim), you can claim ESA for an additional 365 days.
2. If your condition gets worse in the future
You may be able to claim ESA again in the future if your condition gets worse – as long as the Department for Work and Pensions considers that you have continuously had a limited capability for work since your previous ESA stopped being paid.
To make sure this happens, you should ask the Department for Work and Pensions to continue to assess you as having limited capability for work once your ESA ends. Then, if your condition does get worse, you can make a new claim.
You'll probably be referred for a Work Capability Assessment. If it's accepted at this assessment that you have limited capability for work-related activity (and so can be moved into the support group) you can be awarded ESA again. It will last as long as you fit the criteria for the support group.
Changes to ESA
The government is making changes to ESA and other disability benefits for people of working age. We have all the latest updates.
There is help at hand
Our helpline advisers can help you understand what financial support is available and make sure you're claiming the money you're entitled to.
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Last updated July 2025. If you'd like to find out more about how we put our information together, including references and the sources of evidence we use, please contact us at [email protected]