If you also get Universal Credit, read the Universal Credit section below before you count on extra money.
Quick facts
- Assessment phase
- Up to £95.55 a week (25 or over), first 13 weeks
- Under 25
- Up to £75.65 a week
- Support group
- Up to £145.90 a week
- Who
- Under State Pension age, with an illness or disability
- With Universal Credit
- ESA is taken off your UC
- Scam warning
- ESA never calls from 0800 587 1377
Who can get it — the full rules
You can apply if you are under State Pension age and have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work. New Style ESA depends on the National Insurance you have paid.
How much you get
For the first 13 weeks you are paid a basic rate while a Work Capability Assessment decides what you can do:
- Single, 25 or over: up to £95.55 a week
- Single, under 25: up to £75.65 a week
After the assessment, if you are placed in the support group, you get up to £145.90 a week.
ESA and Universal Credit
You can get New Style ESA on its own or alongside Universal Credit. If you get both, your ESA is taken off your Universal Credit, so you are not guaranteed any extra money.
A scam warning from nidirect
ESA will never call you from 0800 587 1377. That is the number for calling in to the ESA centre, so do not answer a call from it.
Common questions
How much is ESA in Northern Ireland?
Up to £95.55 a week for a single person 25 or over during the first 13 weeks, and up to £145.90 a week in the support group.
Can I get ESA and Universal Credit?
Yes, but your ESA is taken off your Universal Credit, so you may not get extra money.
How long is the ESA assessment phase?
The first 13 weeks of your claim, while a Work Capability Assessment is carried out.
Who can get New Style ESA?
People under State Pension age with a disability or health condition that affects how much they can work.