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Employment and Support Allowance: applying if you cannot work due to injury

By Chris Salmon | Updated: September 16, 2025

If you are unable to work due to a workplace injury or illness, you may be entitled to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). ESA is designed to provide financial support if you are ill or disabled, and personalised help so that you can work again if you are able.

Types of ESA

There are two main types of ESA, depending on your circumstances:

• New Style ESA: This is based on your National Insurance contributions in the last two to three years. It can be claimed alongside Universal Credit.
• Income-related ESA: This has been replaced by Universal Credit for most new claims. However, some people may still receive it if they are already on it.

Further details are available on the UK Government website.

Eligibility for ESA

You may qualify for ESA if:

• You are under State Pension age.
• Your ability to work is limited by your injury or illness.
• You are not receiving Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), or your SSP has ended.

Your eligibility and entitlement will depend on your National Insurance record and your current financial circumstances.

The application process

The process of applying for ESA usually involves the following steps:

1. Make a claim: You can apply online or by phone through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
2. Submit a fit note: Your GP or hospital doctor will need to provide a medical certificate (fit note) to confirm you are unable to work.
3. Work Capability Assessment: You will usually be asked to complete a questionnaire about how your condition affects your daily activities. You may also need to attend a medical assessment.
4. DWP decision: Based on your assessment, you will be placed into one of two groups: the Work-Related Activity Group or the Support Group.

More information about the assessment process is provided by Citizens Advice.

ESA rates

The amount you receive depends on your circumstances and which group you are placed in:

• Work-Related Activity Group: You will receive financial support, and you may be asked to attend interviews or prepare for future work.
• Support Group: You will receive a higher rate of ESA and will not be required to look for work.

Payments are usually made every two weeks.

ESA and other benefits

You may be able to claim ESA alongside other benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Universal Credit. Whether you can do so will depend on your individual circumstances, income, and savings.

If your claim is refused

If your ESA claim is rejected, you can request a mandatory reconsideration. If you are still unhappy with the outcome, you may appeal to an independent tribunal. Seeking advice from a welfare rights adviser or Citizens Advice can be very helpful at this stage.

Key takeaways

• ESA provides financial support if you are unable to work because of an injury or illness.
• Eligibility depends on your health, age, and National Insurance contributions.
• A Work Capability Assessment will decide the level of support you receive.
• You can appeal if your claim is refused.

About the author

Chris Salmon is a legal commentator and co-founder of Quittance Legal Services. He has written extensively about workplace accidents, employment rights and the claims process. Chris's work has been cited in national media and he regularly contributes practical guidance to help injured workers understand their options.

More about Chris and WAAC

Last reviewed September 2025 by Chris Salmon

Have you been injured at work?

If you have been injured at work in the last 3 years, you may be able to claim financial compensation.

Find out more about making a work accident claim:

• Do you qualify?
• How much compensation could you get?
• How does No Win, No Fee work?

Read more: Work accident claim guide