There are currently three types of Employment Support Allowance for certain working age people who are unfit to work. This benefit is not due if you are entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) from an employer. You can claim if Statutory Sick Pay payment has been paid and has now ended. This is different to receiving just company sick pay only.
Employment Support Allowance Income Related
This type of Employment Support Allowance is an income/capital based claim. This is payable to some people who already receive this benefit and remain eligible for this.
Employment Support Allowance Contributions Based
Based on contributions paid in work in the last two full tax years. This is payable to some people who already receive this benefit and remain eligible for this.
Jobcentre Plus
Telephone : 0800 169 0350
Textphone : 0800 023 4888
British Sign Language(BSL) users: Video relay service
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone) : 18001 then 0800 169 0350
Employment Support Allowance New Style
Introduced when Universal Credit came in, it replaces the previous contributions based Employment Support Allowance benefit for new claimants. It can be claimed alone, or at the same time as Universal Credit if you also have low income/capital.
For more information on Employment Support Allowance and to find out if you’re eligible to claim it, visit GOV.UK – Employment Support Allowance.
Universal Credit helpline
Telephone: 0800 328 5644 (choose option 3)
Textphone: 0800 328 1344 (choose option 3)
British Sign Language (BSL) users: Video relay service
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 328 5644