The Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) offers help for people below State Pension age who can’t work due to their health or disability, or who have limitations on the types or amount of work they can do, directly affecting their ability to cover their living costs.
Depending on the situation, you may be able to claim up to £140.55 per week, which is in addition to any payments you receive through the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) scheme, and, if you qualify for the latter, you may also receive a higher ESA award.
What Is the Employment and Support Allowance?
The ESA is a benefit that provides financial help to people of working age, between 16 and State Pension age, whose health affects their ability to work. The ESA Support Group provides additional assistance to those not expected to return to work by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Following reforms, the ESA is sometimes called the New Style ESA; Universal Credit replaced the old system.
The criteria mean applicants must have made National Insurance Contributions (NICs) for both of the last two tax years and be able to show they have spent either two years in employment or self-employment, or one year of either, with sufficient NICs made in the second.
Claims usually take 13 weeks to be assessed, and in most cases, applicants will be granted an interim payment of £72.90 per week for those under 25 and £92.05 per week for those over 25. This is called the assessment rate.
Once an application has been finalised, and provided it is successful, the individual is placed into one of two categories: either a work-related group, with a weekly entitlement of £128.60, or the Support Group for those who aren’t thought to be likely to work again, with a higher payment of £140.55 a week.
How Does the DWP Evaluate Employment and Support Allowance Benefit Applications?
Each application is considered based on the nature of the health condition or disability the person has, how that affects their ability to work, and whether it is expected to change at some point.
There are specific scenarios the DWP looks for. If you meet at least one, you will typically be categorised within the Support Group and eligible for the larger income support:
- Needing help to travel 50 metres or more without stopping or significant discomfort
- Not being able to move between two chairs or seats without physical assistance
- Being unable to lift your arms to chest height
- Inability to lift and carry a liquid-filled container of 0.5 litres
- Not being able to pick up a £1 coin or a similar-sized item with either hand
- Being unable to press a button or turn pages with either hand
- Sensory impairments that make it impossible or very difficult to understand simple messages
- Being unable to move around a familiar space without help
- Needing help to complete simple tasks like setting an alarm
- The inability to manage changes to daily routines
- Significant challenges in sharing simple messages or instructions with anyone, or with strangers
Some applicants will qualify for extra premiums called Severe and Enhanced Disability premiums, which are separate benefits payable to applicants receiving other income support, including the ESA.
What Is the Application Process to Receive the Employment and Support Allowance?
Like many benefits, the application process can be complex, and the possibility of being asked to attend an in-person assessment can be daunting, but it may be worthwhile if you cannot work, need home care to improve or maintain your quality of life, and are likely to be successful.
The DWP usually starts by asking you to complete and return the ESA50 form, also called a Work Capability Assessment, which they’ll use to decide whether there is evidence that you have a limited capacity to work.
Questions cover topics like your mental and physical health, any diagnoses you’ve received, information about Statutory Sick Pay periods, care plans and medications.
However, if you have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, you will not be assessed and will be automatically put in the Support Group.
Can You Use the Employment and Support Allowance Towards Home Care Services?
The ESA isn’t intended specifically to finance the costs of hiring trained carers to help around your home, but it also isn’t ringfenced, which means you can choose how you wish to use your financial support.
However, it is likely that anyone who meets the eligibility criteria for the ESA, and for the related benefits we’ve mentioned, will benefit from dedicated assistance with personal care, meal preparation, mobility support and getting out and about, especially if they wish to stay independent at home and would otherwise need to consider residential care.
While you can certainly arrange your own home care as you feel best meets your needs, you may also be able to:
- Apply to your local council for financial help with home care costs. This involves a means assessment which will include your savings, expenses and income, including ESA, although Disability Related Expenditure (DRE) cannot be included in these calculations.
- Qualify for additional help, with most ESA recipients eligible for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) if they are of working age, or the Attendance Allowance if they are above State Pension Age.
- Claim enhanced payments that can be used for general living costs, home care support and anything else you choose.
As with any benefits claims, you’ll find further information online and can access support from independent organisations, charities, and private home care providers like ourselves at Guardian Angel Carers. Whether you need help understanding which types of care may be most suitable, guidance with completing forms, or advice on benefits you may be entitled to but aren’t currently claiming, support is available.
Get in touch with our team today to find out how we can help.