ESA is a single benefit that you can break down into sets of twos.
Prior to the roll out of Universal Credit, ESA had two elements: contributory ESA for people who have paid sufficient National Insurance contributions and income-related ESA for those who are on a low income. Claimants could qualify for one or both elements and many people are still in receipt of these. We call these 'legacy benefits' as they are gradually being replaced by Universal Credit.
It is no longer possible to make a new claim for income-related ESA (except in very limited circumstances). Contributory ESA can still be claimed, but this is now known as new-style ESA. Claimants of contributory ESA (legacy) can still have an income-related ESA element added to their claim. Claimants of new-style ESA (newer claimants) can’t have an income-related ESA element added to their claim.
ESA has two phases: first, an assessment phase during which your capability for work is assessed. Secondly, a main phase when you receive the full rate of ESA, - depending on whether you meet the threshold for entitlement and which group you are put into.
ESA has a medical test, called the Work Capability Assessment, that is broken into two parts: the first determines if you are entitled to ESA at all and looks at your ability to carry out everyday activities.
If you are blind or partially sighted, the most relevant activities within the Work Capability Assessment are about your ability to get around out of doors independently and to read basic forms of correspondence.
The second part of the medical test determines which group you will be put into. For more information about the Work Capability Assessment see our factsheet:
