ESA rates for 2027/28 will be confirmed in autumn 2026. Current reference rates and how new-style ESA works below.
Last reviewed: May 2026. 2027/28 ESA rates will be confirmed in autumn 2026 and apply from April 2027. This page will be updated when confirmed.
ESA Rates — Reference 2025/26
| Stage/Group | Weekly rate (2025/26) | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment phase (under 25) | £90.50 | £4,706 |
| Assessment phase (25+) | £114.10 | £5,933 |
| Work-Related Activity Group (WRAG) | £114.10 | £5,933 |
| Support Group | £138.20 | £7,186 |
2027/28 rates to be confirmed autumn 2026.
ESA Rate History — Support Group
| Year | Support Group weekly rate |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | £117.60 |
| 2023/24 | £129.50 |
| 2024/25 | £138.20 |
| 2025/26 | £138.20 |
| 2026/27 | TBC |
| 2027/28 | TBC |
New-Style ESA vs Universal Credit — Comparison
| New-style ESA | Universal Credit with LCWRA | |
|---|---|---|
| NI contribution required | Yes (2 qualifying years) | No |
| Means-tested | No | Yes |
| Time-limited in WRAG | 365 days | No |
| Support Group/LCWRA: time-limited | No | No |
| Standard weekly payment (Support Group equivalent) | ~£138.20 | ~£96/week (LCWRA element of UC) |
| Can be claimed together | — | Yes — ESA deducted from UC pound-for-pound |
| UC housing element also available | No | Yes |
UC with LCWRA element pays around £416.19/month extra (2025/26), roughly equivalent to ESA Support Group.
Work Capability Assessment — Groups
| Support Group | Work-Related Activity Group | |
|---|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Those with most severe conditions; cannot reasonably be expected to work or prepare for work | Those who may be able to work in future with support |
| Work-related requirements | None | Must attend work-focused interviews; engage with activities |
| ESA rate (2025/26) | £138.20/week | £114.10/week |
| Time limit | None (indefinite) | 365 days on contribution-based ESA |
ESA and PIP — Can I Get Both?
Yes — ESA and PIP are separate benefits assessing different things:
- ESA / UC: assesses capability to work
- PIP: assesses daily living and mobility needs
You can receive both simultaneously. In Universal Credit, receiving Enhanced Daily Living PIP may trigger the Severe Disability Premium element.
How to Claim New-Style ESA
New-style (contribution-based) ESA is the main route for people who cannot work due to illness or disability and have sufficient National Insurance contributions (2 qualifying years in the last 3 tax years).
How to claim:
- Online: gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/how-to-claim
- Phone: Universal Credit helpline 0800 328 5644 (or Jobcentre if not on UC)
- You will need a fit note (sick note) from your GP covering the period of incapacity. Fit notes are formally called “Statement of Fitness for Work” but still widely known as sick notes. You need one for any period of incapacity over 7 days.
The 13-Week Assessment Phase
When you first claim, you enter a 13-week assessment phase before being placed in either the Support Group or Work-Related Activity Group. During the assessment phase:
- You are paid at the lower assessment phase rate (£114.10/week for 25+, 2025/26)
- A Work Capability Assessment (WCA) is arranged — usually a questionnaire (ESA50) first, then possibly a face-to-face or telephone assessment
- You must continue to provide fit notes throughout
After the WCA, you are placed in the Support Group (higher rate, no work requirements) or WRAG (lower rate, work-focused activities required).
If You Disagree with a WCA Decision
If you are refused ESA or placed in the wrong group, you have the right to challenge the decision:
- Mandatory Reconsideration — request a review from DWP within 1 month of the decision
- Appeal — if mandatory reconsideration upholds the decision, appeal to the Social Security Tribunal (free to do, no legal knowledge required)
- You can remain on assessment-phase ESA during mandatory reconsideration and appeal
Statistics show a significant proportion of ESA refusals are overturned at appeal — particularly where proper medical evidence is submitted.