Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - How do I claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)?

New style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

You can claim New Style Employment and Support Allowance online.

If you cannot claim online, you can make a claim over the phone.

England, Scotland and Wales

Telephone: 0800 055 6688

Textphone: 0800 328 1344

Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 055 6688. Use the video relay service to claim if you use British Sign Language (BSL).

Northern Ireland

Telephone: 0800 085 6318

Use the video relay service to claim if you use British Sign Language (BSL) or Irish Sign Language (ISL).

Income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

It's no longer possible to make a new claim for Income related Employment and Support Allowance. If you're already claiming contribution-based ESA, you may be able to add Income related ESA to your claim.

You can call to make your claim. You will need to explain that you are already getting contribution-based ESA and that you started getting it before your local jobcentre started accepting Universal Credit full service claims.

England, Scotland and Wales

Telephone: 0800 055 6688
Textphone: 0800 328 1344

Northern Ireland

Telephone: 0800 587 1377
Textphone: 0800 328 3419

What documents will I need to claim Employment and Support Allowance?

You should give your national insurance number . If you do not have a national insurance number , send in the claim form anyway to save delays. You may also be asked for proof of your identity, such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence.

When will my Employment and Support Allowance claim begin?

Employment and Support Allowance can be backdated for up to three months before the date of claim if you would have been entitled to it earlier. For example, if you had a health condition that meant you were unable to work. You will be asked to provide a medical certificate to show this. It does not matter why your claim is late. Request backdating when you make your claim.