Overview

• New Style Employment and Support Allowance is the route for new claims, with income-related ESA closed to new applicants but still paying existing claimants.
• During the 13-week assessment phase, the rate is £72.90 per week if under 25 or £92.05 per week if aged 25 or over, with potential backdating if a higher rate applies after assessment.
• Post-assessment, the work-related activity group pays £92.05 per week and the support group pays £140.55 per week, according to current DWP guidance.
• For those receiving more than £85 a week from a private pension, half of the excess is deducted from New Style ESA cash payments, and ESA can be received alongside Universal Credit though UC may be reduced.
• Outlets present conflicting monthly figures, with some citing about £560 and others higher, reflecting different conversions of weekly rates into monthly amounts rather than any policy change.