Alicia
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has officially revealed the 22 medical conditions that qualify UK residents for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
This benefit is designed to provide up to £200 per week for individuals whose health conditions or disabilities limit their ability to work.
ESA ensures that people who are unable to work full-time, or can only manage limited work, still receive financial security to cover essential living costs.
With the ESA rates increasing by 1.7% in April 2025, thousands of claimants across the UK will see improved weekly support.
What Is ESA and Who Can Claim It?
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is a DWP-funded benefit for individuals who:
- Cannot work due to illness or disability, or
- Can only work a limited number of hours.
Depending on your circumstances, ESA can provide up to £200 a week, along with access to other forms of support such as training, medical advice, and back-to-work programs.
DWP’s Full List of 22 Qualifying Conditions
The DWP has published the complete breakdown of conditions and the number of people currently affected. Below is the official list:
| Medical Condition | Claimants |
|---|---|
| Mental & Behavioural Disorders | 689,342 |
| Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System & Connective Tissue | 176,399 |
| Symptoms, Signs & Abnormal Clinical/Lab Findings (not elsewhere classified) | 127,699 |
| Diseases of the Nervous System | 118,767 |
| Diseases of the Circulatory System | 53,782 |
| Neoplasms (tumours and cancers) | 45,977 |
| Factors Influencing Health Status & Contact with Health Services | 32,265 |
| Injury, Poisoning & Consequences of External Causes | 31,970 |
| Diseases of the Respiratory System | 31,281 |
| Diseases of the Digestive System | 22,012 |
| Congenital Malformations, Deformations & Chromosomal Abnormalities | 19,956 |
| Endocrine, Nutritional & Metabolic Diseases | 17,750 |
| Diseases of the Eye & Adnexa | 13,568 |
| Diseases of the Genito-urinary System | 8,529 |
| Certain Infectious & Parasitic Diseases | 6,834 |
| Diseases of the Ear & Mastoid Process | 6,779 |
| Codes for Special Purposes | 6,664 |
| Diseases of the Skin & Subcutaneous System | 5,511 |
| Diseases of the Blood & Immune-related Disorders | 3,106 |
| External Causes of Morbidity & Mortality | 2,922 |
| Pregnancy, Childbirth & the Puerperium | 797 |
| Certain Conditions Originating in the Perinatal Period | 7 |
How Much Can You Receive?
The exact ESA amount depends on your personal circumstances, but qualifying claimants may receive up to £200 per week. The allowance is usually divided into:
- Assessment Rate (first 13 weeks while the claim is reviewed).
- Main Phase Rate (after assessment, with possible additional support for severe conditions).
Payments are made every two weeks directly into bank accounts.
Why ESA Support Matters
With the rising cost of living, this financial lifeline ensures that people struggling with long-term medical conditions can:
- Pay for essential household bills.
- Cover medical and daily expenses.
- Maintain independence without relying solely on family.
The DWP’s list of 22 medical conditions highlights the broad range of illnesses and disabilities that qualify for up to £200 weekly ESA support.
For those affected, this benefit provides financial stability while ensuring access to essential care and services.
With rising living costs, ESA continues to play a vital role in protecting the most vulnerable across the UK.
FAQs
How do I apply for ESA if I have a qualifying condition?
You can apply online or by phone. You’ll need medical certificates and information about your work history.
Can ESA be combined with other benefits?
Yes. ESA can often be claimed alongside Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Universal Credit, depending on your situation.
How often are ESA rates reviewed?
ESA rates are reviewed annually in line with inflation. Medical reassessments may also be required to confirm eligibility.