Overview

• ESA eligibility requires claimants to be under State Pension age, have a limiting health condition or disability, not receive Statutory Sick Pay or Jobseeker’s Allowance, and meet National Insurance contribution thresholds from the two full tax years before their claim
• The Department for Work and Pensions has identified 22 medical conditions that qualify individuals for ESA, with mental and behavioural disorders representing the largest group at 689,342 claimants
• Claimants gain access to dedicated support services including a work coach, tailored employment and training programmes, and condition management assistance to help them remain in or return to work
• Weekly ESA payments were increased by 1.7% in April 2025 to preserve benefit value against inflation, with rates now ranging from £72.90 for younger single claimants to £201.95 for certain couples
• Official figures show 1,421,898 active ESA claims across the United Kingdom, underscoring the breadth of financial and practical support for those with long-term health challenges