Updated for 2026/27 Independent estimate Not GOV.UK

ESA guide and estimator

Check whether New Style ESA could be relevant and what the weekly amount may look like.

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Keep this to the figures that most affect the estimate. You can re-run a few scenarios in under a minute.

Main details

£

Extra assumptions

Estimated result

Use this as a planning estimate. It is designed to show the shape of the answer and what changes it most.

Indicative weekly New Style ESA
£95.55
Indicative annual New Style ESA: £4,968.60
This page estimates New Style ESA using the work-related activity and support group weekly rates, then adjusts for private pension income above £85 a week.
Base weekly ESA used £95.55
Indicative ESA after pension adjustment £95.55
Period used
Indicative weekly New Style ESA
Annual view
£4,968.60
Estimate only
Check local and official rules next
Base weekly ESA used £95.55
Private pension entered £0.00
Indicative ESA after pension adjustment £95.55
You cannot usually get New Style ESA at the same time as Statutory Sick Pay.
Many households can claim Universal Credit alongside or instead of ESA, but UC may then be reduced by the ESA amount.
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ESA is now mostly a New Style decision

Most searchers still type ESA calculator, but what they usually need is a New Style ESA guide with a realistic amount estimate and a clear warning that NI record matters. This page is written around that modern search intent rather than old income-related ESA assumptions.

That matters for usefulness. A page that simply recites old ESA terms without explaining the current route is not genuinely helpful.

Where the simple estimate is strongest

The estimator is most useful for people trying to sense-check whether the support group or work-related activity rate is the main range to think about, and whether a private pension will reduce the final payment. Those are two of the most practical questions before a claim or appeal conversation.

It is deliberately not trying to predict the work capability assessment outcome. That would be false precision.

How ESA fits into the wider benefits cluster

ESA sits close to SSP, Universal Credit and PIP in real user journeys. People often move across those pages as their health condition, work status and contribution history become clearer. That is why the site links them tightly together.

It also strengthens the site's topical authority because the disability-and-work support topic is covered through calculators and explanatory guides rather than just one article.

Related calculators

People usually check these pages next when they are comparing support, testing a change of circumstances, or trying to explain a low result.

Frequently asked questions

What are the current ESA weekly amounts used here?
This estimator uses up to £95.55 a week for the work-related activity group and up to £145.90 for the support group.
Does private pension income affect ESA?
Yes. If private pension income is over £85 a week, half of the amount above £85 is usually deducted from New Style ESA.
Can you get ESA and Universal Credit together?
Sometimes, but Universal Credit is usually reduced by the ESA amount.

Independent estimate only

This page is written to help you understand the likely direction of the answer quickly, not to replace the official claim process. Local authority rules, evidence requirements, deductions, sanctions, timing and special-case rules can all change the final outcome.