The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed the 22 medical conditions that can make people eligible for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
ESA is a benefit for those whose health conditions or disabilities limit their ability to work. It provides financial help and, where possible, support to get back into employment. Some claimants can receive up to £200 a week, depending on circumstances.
In April, ESA rates rose by 1.7% in line with the previous September’s inflation rate.
What Is ESA?
Employment and Support Allowance is aimed at people who cannot work or can only work a limited amount because of illness or disability. Claimants are assessed to determine the level of support they need, which can include financial payments and access to employment-related advice.
22 Medical Conditions
Below is the DWP’s list of conditions and the number of recorded cases:
- Mental and behavioural disorders – 689,342 cases
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue – 176,399 cases
- Symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified – 127,699 cases
- Diseases of the nervous system – 118,767 cases
- Diseases of the circulatory system – 53,782 cases
- Neoplasms – 45,977 cases
- Factors influencing health status and contact with health services – 32,265 cases
- Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes – 31,970 cases
- Diseases of the respiratory system – 31,281 cases
- Diseases of the digestive system – 22,012 cases
- Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities – 19,956 cases
- Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases – 17,750 cases
- Diseases of the eye and adnexa – 13,568 cases
- Diseases of the genito-urinary system – 8,529 cases
- Certain infectious and parasitic diseases – 6,834 cases
- Diseases of the ear and mastoid process – 6,779 cases
- Codes for special purposes – 6,664 cases
- Diseases of the skin and subcutaneous system – 5,511 cases
- Diseases of the blood and blood-forming organs and certain immune mechanism diseases – 3,106 cases
- External causes of morbidity and mortality – 2,922 cases
- Pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium – 797 cases
- Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period – 7 cases
How to Claim ESA
You can apply for ESA online or by calling the Jobcentre Plus helpline. You will need to provide medical evidence, such as a fit note from your GP, and attend a work capability assessment to confirm eligibility.
Payments are made directly into your bank, building society, or credit union account, usually every two weeks.
FAQs
What is the maximum ESA payment per week?
Up to £200 depending on circumstances.
How many medical conditions qualify for ESA?
22 conditions are listed by the DWP.
When did ESA rates last increase?
April 2025 by 1.7%.
Do I need a medical assessment for ESA?
Yes, a work capability assessment is required.
How often is ESA paid?
Usually every two weeks.
