This benefit provides financial help to people who are unable to work because of illness or disability.  It also provides personalised support to those who are able to work. It replaces Incapacity Benefit and Income Support paid on the grounds of incapacity for work.

Employment and Support Allowance has both a contributory part and a means-tested part. People may get either or both depending on their contribution record and their income and capital.

Employment and Support Allowance is paid at a basic rate for the first 13 weeks of the claim. During this time, unless you are terminally ill, you will have to  attend a face to face medical assessment to consider your capability for work. You may also need to attend a work-focussed interview.

The work capability assessment includes a questionaire about how your illness and how your disability affects your ability to complete your everyday tasks.  Your own doctor may be asked to complete a report.  This evidence wil be considered by an approved healthcare official who may recommend that you attend a face to face assessment if more information is needed about your condition.

If the work capability assessment shows that your illness or disability limits your ability to work, you'll be placed intoone of two groups: the support group or the work-related activity group.

During the assessment period, you will be paid at a rate comparable to Jobseeker's Allowance.

After the 13-week period, you will be assessed and placed into one of two groups: the support group or the work-related activity group.

If you are found to have limited capability for work, you will be placed in the support group and will not have to undertake work-related activities. An additional £32.35 will be paid to anyone in the support group.

If you are found not to have limited capability for work, you will be placed in the work-related activity group and will have to attend six work-focussed interviews. A smaller additional payment of £26.75 will be paid to anyone in this group.

If you are self-employed, you are entitled to claim Employment and Support Allowance as long as you have paid the correct level of national insurance contributions.

People who have not paid the relevant national insurance contributions may qualify for Employment and Support Allowance under the means tested route.

How can I claim?

You can contact an advisor on 0800 085 6318 or textphone 0800 328 3419 and they will go through the forms with you.  You can download the application form at www.nidirect.gov.uk/do-it-online