Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Rates 2026/27: How Much You Get and Who Can Claim
A weekly payment for people who cannot work because of illness or disability. New claims are for New Style ESA, which is based on National Insurance contributions. The current rate is Assessment rate up to £75.65 or £95.55 a week.
ESA assessment rate (first 13 weeks while your claim is assessed)
| Age | Weekly amount (up to) |
|---|---|
| Under 25 | £75.65 |
| 25 or over | £95.55 |
Who can claim ESA
- You have a disability or health condition that affects how much you can work.
- You are under State Pension age.
- You have paid enough National Insurance (for New Style ESA).
Key facts
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Private pension | New Style ESA is reduced if you get more than £85 a week from a private pension: half of the amount over £85 is taken off. |
| National Insurance credits | Getting New Style ESA earns you Class 1 National Insurance credits towards your State Pension. |
| Income-related ESA | You cannot make a new claim for income-related ESA. Savings of £6,000 or more may affect existing claims. |
How to claim and how you are paid
Claim New Style ESA on GOV.UK. You normally get the assessment rate for 13 weeks while your claim is assessed, and the rate you get afterwards depends on the outcome of the work capability assessment.
Check what else you could be owed
You may be able to claim other help alongside ESA. GOV.UK has a free benefits calculator that works out what you could get, and our benefit rates for 2026/27 page lists every main rate. See also the childcare help calculator and the Child Benefit charge calculator.
Source: GOV.UK: ESA, what you'll get, rates from April 2026. Rates and rules can differ in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where some benefits are devolved. This is general information, not advice about your own claim. Read how we check our figures.
Frequently asked questions
How much is ESA in 2026/27?
During the 13-week assessment phase it is up to £75.65 a week if you are under 25 and up to £95.55 a week if you are 25 or over.
Does a private pension affect ESA?
Yes, for New Style ESA. If you get more than £85 a week from a private pension, half of the amount over £85 is taken off your ESA.
How do I claim ESA?
Claim New Style ESA on GOV.UK. You normally get the assessment rate for 13 weeks while your claim is assessed, and the rate you get afterwards depends on the outcome of the work capability assessment.
Figures from official sources, checked 2026-10-08. How we check our figures · About UK Answers · Report a mistake
Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year from official sources and are estimates for guidance only, not financial or legal advice. Printed from ukanswers.co.uk.