What is Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)?

ESA is a benefit for people of working-age who are not working and have “limited capability for work” because of a disability or illness. It's a single benefit with two elements: New-style ESA (formerly known as contributory ESA) and income-related ESA. You may qualify for one or both elements.

Income-related ESA has now been replaced by Universal Credit for most new claimants.

New-style ESA may apply to you if you have been working in the years prior to your claim and satisfy the National Insurance contribution conditions.

Further information on ESA including the rules and exceptions can be found on RNIB's ESA webpage.

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