Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (IR ESA)

Income-related ESA has ended for most new claims. It was the means-tested version of ESA. Universal Credit replaced it. New Style ESA is different — that is contribution-based and still exists.

How much you could get

There is no current new-claim rate for income-related ESA. New Style ESA rates are on the New Style ESA page.

Check the current amount on the official page.

Who can claim

You cannot usually make a new income-related ESA claim. If a health condition limits work now, check New Style ESA (if you have paid enough National Insurance) and Universal Credit.

When it may not apply

A page that talks about savings limits for ESA is usually describing the closed income-related version. New Style ESA does not use the same savings test.

Where you live

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance was a UK-wide payment. New claims are closed.

Browse benefits in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, or the A–Z list.

How to claim

1. New claims for income-related Employment and Support Allowance are not available. income-related Employment and Support Allowance was an income-related benefit. For most people of working age, Universal Credit replaced it. GOV.UK explains who might still be on a legacy award. Official page
2. If you still receive it, read any “move to Universal Credit” letter carefully. Managed migration has deadlines. Missing them can stop the old payment. Only DWP’s letter and GOV.UK describe your date.
3. Check housing and council tax separately. Legacy benefits often sat alongside Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. Universal Credit treats housing differently and does not include council tax.
4. Use GOV.UK, not a claims company, to see what replaces it. Start a Universal Credit check from the official page if you need income-related help now.

Official sources

• Employment and Support Allowance — GOV.UK (primary source)
• Universal Credit — GOV.UK

Replaces and replaced by

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance has been replaced by Universal Credit.

Related benefits

• Adult Disability Payment
• Attendance Allowance
• Blue Badge
• Child Disability Payment
• Disability Living Allowance for children

See all disability and health benefits.

Source: Department for Work and Pensions. This page is guidance from an independent service, not a government decision. Only the relevant government department can confirm eligibility and make a payment.

Check what you may be able to claim now