How do I claim Employment Support Allowance (ESA)?

Please note that means-tested ESA (called income-related ESA) is no longer available for new claimants and the vast majority of people receiving it have been moved to UC through a process called managed migration. Contribution based ESA (now called new-style ESA) is still available for new claimants, provided they have paid the necessary national insurance contributions.

If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, you can make a claim for new-style ESA via an online claim system on the GOV.uk website, if you are unable to apply online, or you’re an appointee for someone, you can make a claim using the Universal Credit helpline:

  • Online claim system
  • 0800 055 6688
  • Welsh language 0800 328 1744 (Monday to Friday, 8am - 5pm).

If you live in Northern Ireland, you can make a claim using via an online claim system on the nidirect website or by calling the ESA Centre:

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