Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is a UK welfare benefit for people who are unable to work, or whose ability to work is limited, due to illness or disability. It is being gradually replaced by Universal Credit for new claimants, but existing ESA claimants may still be on the benefit, and in some circumstances ESA (particularly contribution-based ESA, now called New Style ESA) remains available alongside Universal Credit.
Types of ESA
- New Style ESA (contribution-based): available to people who have paid sufficient National Insurance contributions. It is not means-tested and can be paid for up to 52 weeks in the Work-Related Activity Group (WRAG), or indefinitely in the Support Group. It can be paid at the same time as Universal Credit.
- Income-related ESA: means-tested and being phased out for new claimants. Existing claimants are being moved to Universal Credit through managed migration.
The assessment process
Eligibility for ESA is assessed through the Work Capability Assessment (WCA), which evaluates how a person’s health condition or disability affects their ability to work. Based on the assessment, claimants are placed in one of two groups:
- Work-Related Activity Group (WRAG): the person has limited capability for work but is expected to work towards returning to work in the future
- Support Group: the person has limited capability for work-related activity and is not required to undertake any work-focused activity
Relevance to cardiac arrest survivors
Survivors who cannot work because of the physical, cognitive, or psychological consequences of cardiac arrest may be eligible for ESA or Universal Credit with a health element. Medical evidence from a GP or cardiologist supports the claim. Citizens Advice provides free help with benefit applications and appeals.
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