Employment and Support Allowance Calculator
Estimate your New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) for 2025/26 — the weekly personal rate plus the Support Group or work-related activity component.
ESA estimate
New Style ESA, 2025/26 weekly rates.
A guide to New Style ESA only. Check and claim on GOV.UK Employment and Support Allowance.
What is Employment and Support Allowance?
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is money for people who cannot work, or have a limited ability to work, because of a disability or health condition. New Style ESA is the contribution-based version you can claim on its own or alongside Universal Credit. It is paid at a weekly personal rate that rises once you move from the assessment phase into the main phase.
For 2025/26, ESA is £72.90 a week if you are under 25 (or £92.05 if 25 or over) during the assessment phase. In the main phase the personal rate is £92.05, plus a Support component of £48.50 or a work-related activity component of £36.55.
2025/26 ESA rates
| Element | 2025/26 (weekly) |
|---|---|
| Personal rate, single under 25 (assessment phase) | £72.90 |
| Personal rate, single 25+ / main phase | £92.05 |
| Support component (Support Group) | £48.50 |
| Work-related activity component | £36.55 |
| Pension disregard | £85 / week |
Source: GOV.UK — Benefit and pension rates 2025/26.
The assessment phase and Work Capability Assessment
For roughly the first 13 weeks you are paid the basic personal rate while the DWP carries out a Work Capability Assessment. After that you move into the main phase and, if you qualify, receive either the higher Support component (for those with the most significant limitations, who do not have to look for work) or the work-related activity component. A private or works pension over £85 a week reduces ESA by 50p for each £1 above the limit.
Frequently asked questions
How much is ESA per week in 2025/26?
New Style ESA is £72.90 a week if you are under 25 in the assessment phase, or £92.05 if you are 25 or over. In the main phase you get £92.05 plus a Support component of £48.50 or a work-related activity component of £36.55.
What is the difference between the Support Group and WRAG?
The Support Group is for people whose condition severely limits what they can do; they get the higher £48.50 component and do not have to do work-related activities. The Work-Related Activity Group (WRAG) get £36.55 and must take steps towards work, such as attending interviews.
Does a pension affect my ESA?
Yes. If you receive more than £85 a week from a private or works pension, your New Style ESA is reduced by 50p for every £1 of pension above £85. A pension below that limit does not affect it.
Can I get ESA and Universal Credit together?
Yes. New Style ESA is contribution-based and can be paid at the same time as Universal Credit. Any ESA you receive is taken into account as income when your UC is worked out.
Is New Style ESA means-tested?
No. New Style ESA depends on your National Insurance record, not your income or savings, so savings do not stop your claim. The old income-related ESA has closed to new claims — most people now use Universal Credit for means-tested help.