The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has revealed a comprehensive list of 22 health conditions that qualify individuals for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)—providing up to £200 per week for those whose ability to work is limited by illness or disability.
With rates increasing by 1.7% from April 2025 to keep pace with inflation, this vital support reaches over 1.4 million claimants across the UK.
Who Qualifies and Why ESA Matters
ESA offers financial relief for people under State Pension age whose health restricts their employment. You must:
- Be below the State Pension age
- Have a medical condition that limits work capability
- Not be receiving Statutory Sick Pay or Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Have sufficient National Insurance contributions in the previous two tax years
This benefit not only provides income support—up to £200 weekly—but also offers access to work coaches, training, and condition-management services to help claimants regain or maintain employment.
The 22 Health Conditions That Qualify You for ESA
| Health Condition Category | Number of ESA Claimants |
|---|---|
| Mental & Behavioural Disorders | 689,342 |
| Musculoskeletal & Connective Tissue Diseases | 176,399 |
| Unclassified Symptoms and Lab Findings | 127,699 |
| Nervous System Diseases | 118,767 |
| Circulatory System Diseases | 53,782 |
| Neoplasms (Tumors) | 45,977 |
| Health Status & Service Contact Factors | 32,265 |
| Injury, Poisoning & Other External Consequences | 31,970 |
| Respiratory System Diseases | 31,281 |
| Digestive System Diseases | 22,012 |
| Congenital & Chromosomal Abnormalities | 19,956 |
| Endocrine, Nutritional & Metabolic Diseases | 17,750 |
| Eye & Adnexa Diseases | 13,568 |
| Genito-urinary System Diseases | 8,529 |
| Infectious & Parasitic Diseases | 6,834 |
| Ear & Mastoid Process Diseases | 6,779 |
| Special Purpose Codes | 6,664 |
| Skin & Subcutaneous Tissue Diseases | 5,511 |
| Blood & Immune System Disorders | 3,106 |
| External Morbidity & Mortality Causes | 2,922 |
| Pregnancy & Childbirth-Related Conditions | 797 |
| Conditions Originating in the Perinatal Period | 7 |
This extensive list underscores the diversity of health conditions across physical and mental health categories that can make claimants eligible for support.
ESA Payment Rates as of April 2025
ESA rates vary depending on age, personal circumstances, and additional premiums:
| Category | Weekly Amount (£) |
|---|---|
| Single, under 25 | 72.90 |
| Single, 25 or over | 92.05 |
| Couple (both over 18) | 144.65 |
| Premiums (Disability/Carer) | |
| Enhanced Disability (single) | 21.20 |
| Enhanced Disability (couple) | 30.25 |
| Severe Disability (single) | 82.90 |
| Severe Disability (couple) | 165.80 |
| Carer Premium | 46.40 |
| Additional Components | |
| Work-Related Activity Component | 36.55 |
| Support Component | 48.50 |
Payments are made fortnightly directly into a bank account. For many, this award provides a dependable income stream during periods of health-related uncertainty.
The DWP’s list of 22 eligible health condition categories makes it clear how inclusive ESA has become for those struggling to work due to health challenges.
With the benefit reaching nearly 1.5 million people, and rates becoming more generous with inflation adjustments, ESA remains a crucial lifeline for many.
Whether you’re living with a mental health condition, chronic physical illness, or an injury that impairs work capability, it’s worth checking your eligibility and applying if you qualify.
FAQs
Who is eligible to claim ESA based on a health condition?
You must be under State Pension age, have a qualifying medical condition from the DWP’s list, not receive SSP or JSA, and have adequate National Insurance contributions.
How much can I receive per week on ESA?
Depending on your circumstances, you could receive up to around £200 weekly, including personal allowances, disability premiums, and additional support components.
Does ESA include non-financial support?
Yes—ESA recipients often receive guidance from work coaches, access to training, and condition-management services designed to help maintain or return to employment.