Benefits - Working Age

Easy summary - Employment Support Allowance ESA

ESA stands for Employment and Support Allowance.

ESA is money from the government to help people who are poorly or disabled.

It helps people who:

• • Are too ill to work
  • Or need extra support before they can work again

There is Easy Read information available on GOV.UK about Employment Support Allowance.

What is ESA?

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is a UK benefit that provides financial support and personalised help to work for people whose health condition or disability affects their ability to work.

It is designed to:

• Help with living costs if you cannot work or can only work limited hours
• Support people to move towards work when and if they are able

Who is ESA for?

ESA is for people who:

• Have a physical or mental health condition or disability
• Are unable to work, or can only work a limited amount
• Are below State Pension age

Types of ESA

There are two main types (new claims are now limited):

New Style ESA (Contribution‑based)

You may qualify if:

• You have a health condition or disability
• You’ve paid enough National Insurance contributions in the last 2–3 years
• You are not working, or work under permitted limits

This type is still available for new claims.

Income‑Related ESA

• Based on household income and savings
• Closed to new claims
• Replaced by Universal Credit

Only applies if you already receive it.

Work Capability Assessment

When you claim ESA, you usually have a Work Capability Assessment to decide how your condition affects you. You’ll be placed into one of two groups:

Support Group

• Your condition severely limits your ability to work
• You are not expected to prepare for work
• You receive a higher rate

Work‑Related Activity Group (WRAG)

• Your condition limits work, but you may prepare for future work
• You may attend work‑focused interviews or activities

How much is ESA?

The amount depends on:

• Your age
• The ESA group you’re placed in
• Whether it’s New Style or income‑related ESA

ESA is usually paid every two weeks.

ESA and Universal Credit

• Many people who would previously have claimed ESA now claim Universal Credit instead
• Some people receive both Universal Credit and New Style ESA

Easy summary - Personal Independence Payment PIP

• PIP helps people with disabilities or long‑term illnesses
• It helps with everyday life and getting around
• You can get PIP even if you work

There is easy read information on GOV.UK about Personal Independence Payment.

What is PIP?

PIP stands for Personal independence Payment.

PIP is money from the government to help people who have a disability or long‑term illness.

It helps even if the person:

• Has a job
• Goes to school or college
• Has help from family

Why do people get PIP?

Some people find everyday things hard, like:

• Washing or getting dressed
• Making food
• Talking to people
• Walking or travelling places

PIP helps pay for:

• Extra help
• Equipment
• Transport
• Things that make life easier

People can get PIP if:

• Their condition lasts a long time
• Or is likely to last a long time

Does PIP depend on money?

No.

It does not matter how much money someone has.
It does not stop if someone works.

How does PIP work?

The government talks to the person to understand:

• What is hard for them
• How their body or mind is affected

There are two parts of PIP:

• Daily Living – help with everyday tasks
• Mobility – help with moving around

Some people get one part, some get both.

Easy summary - Carers Allowance

Information in here

Easy summary - Council Tax Reduction