ESA calculator
This calculator works out an estimated weekly new-style Employment and Support Allowance rate, using the personal rate and, in the main phase, the support or work-related activity component, based on the rates gov.uk publishes for 2026/27. Only the Department for Work and Pensions decides an actual award, and this result is not evidence of entitlement.
How is new-style ESA worked out?
New-style ESA is paid in two stages under gov.uk rules.
During the assessment phase, usually the first 13 weeks, a flat personal rate is paid that depends only on age.
gov.uk sets that rate at £75.65 a week under 25 and £95.55 a week from 25.
The assessment phase runs while the DWP carries out a Work Capability Assessment, and nothing about group placement is settled yet.
Once the assessment is complete the claim moves to the main phase, where the personal rate is £95.55 for everyone and a component is added on top.
The support group, for people not expected to work, gets the larger component of £50.35, and the work-related activity group gets £0.00, both figures set by gov.uk.
| Stage | Weekly rate |
|---|---|
| Assessment phase, under 25 | £75.65 |
| Assessment phase, 25 or over | £95.55 |
| Main phase, personal rate | £95.55 |
| Main phase, support group component | £50.35 |
| Main phase, work-related activity component | £0.00 |
New-style ESA is based on a National Insurance record rather than savings, so a partner income does not reduce it under gov.uk rules.
This is an estimate, and only the DWP decides an actual award; a result here is not evidence of entitlement.
What would ESA be for an example claim?
Take a claimant aged 30 placed in the support group after assessment.
They receive the main-phase personal rate of £95.55 plus the support component of £50.35, which is £145.90 a week, or about ££632.23 a month, using the published gov.uk rates.
In the work-related activity group the same claimant would get £95.55 a week instead.
This example is an estimate, and the DWP alone decides an actual award.
Common questions
How is new-style ESA worked out?
In the assessment phase, gov.uk sets the personal rate at £75.65 a week under 25, or £95.55 a week from 25. In the main phase everyone gets the £95.55 personal rate plus a component, £50.35 for the support group or £0.00 for the work-related activity group. This calculator applies those published gov.uk rates and produces an estimate. Only the Department for Work and Pensions decides an actual award.
What would ESA be for an example claim?
Take a claimant in the main phase, in the support group. They get the personal rate of £95.55 plus the support component of £50.35, which totals £145.90 a week under the published gov.uk rates. In the work-related activity group the same claimant would get £95.55 a week instead. This example is an estimate, and only the DWP can confirm an actual award.
How much is ESA a week in 2026/27?
In the assessment phase gov.uk sets it at £75.65 a week under 25, or £95.55 if 25 or over. In the main phase everyone gets £95.55 plus a component: £0.00 for the work-related activity group or £50.35 for the support group. These are estimates and only the DWP confirms an award.
What is the assessment phase?
It is the first part of a claim, usually about 13 weeks, while the Department for Work and Pensions carries out a Work Capability Assessment. A basic personal rate is paid during this time. Once the assessment is complete the claim moves to the main phase and, if the claimant qualifies, a component is added.
What is the difference between the support group and the work-related activity group?
The support group is for people whose illness or disability means they are not expected to prepare for work, and gov.uk pays the larger component of £50.35 a week for that group. The work-related activity group is for people expected to take some steps towards work, and its component is £0.00 a week under current gov.uk rates.
Is this new-style ESA or income-related ESA?
This tool covers new-style, contribution-based ESA, which is based on a National Insurance record and is not means-tested. Income-related ESA is closed to new claims, and most people now claim Universal Credit alongside new-style ESA instead. The DWP alone decides which benefit a claim qualifies for.
Does new-style ESA affect Universal Credit?
Both can be paid at the same time, but new-style ESA counts as income for Universal Credit, so gov.uk rules mean it is deducted pound for pound from any UC award. The advantage is that ESA is not means-tested and can protect a National Insurance record. The DWP decides the actual UC deduction.
Sources & Rate Verification
Rates verified against official statutory guidance on 6 September 2026.