Employment and Support Allowance


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New-style ESA can help if you cannot work due to illness or disability and have enough National Insurance contributions. You can claim alongside some other support.

Related links

Gov.uk/employment-support-allowance

Tips: 1/5

Explain your limits clearly

Explain your limits clearly. Say what you can and cannot do safely, repeatedly, and in a reasonable time. Use short examples.

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Explain your limits clearly

Say what you can and cannot do safely, repeatedly, and in a reasonable time. Use short examples.

Keep medical evidence together

Consultant/GP/SLT/OT letters help. Include how tasks make you tired or unwell and how long you need to recover.

Prepare for the assessment

Ask for adjustments (quiet room, longer time, home or phone assessment). Bring a supporter to help speak and take notes.

Use a diary

Log bad days, rests, and after-effects. This supports your answers.

Challenge decisions on time

Request Mandatory Reconsideration if you disagree. Keep copies of everything.