Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

In October 2008 Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) was replaced by Incapacity
Benefit and Income Support paid to people who are unable to work because of sickness or
disability.

ESA, like Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) comes in two forms – Contribution and Income based, if you have made sufficient National Insurance Contributions you will currently receive ESA up to April 2012, where in line with the Government Welfare reforms, your ESA will end, you may be entitled to ESA (Income based) if your financial status (other income, but not currently DLA, savings, investments et cetera) will be taken into account