Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

Employment and Support Allowance consists of two phases:

The assessment phase rate is paid for the first 13 weeks of your claim while a decision is made on your capability for work through the Work Capability Assessment
The main phase starts from week 14 of your claim, if the work Capability Assessment shows that your illness or disability does limit your ability to work.

There are two groups within the main phase. Please note you can be reassessed at any time in either group.

Work Related Activity Group

If you are placed in the Work Related Activity Group, you will be expected to take part in work focused interviews with your personal adviser. You will get support to help you prepare for suitable work.

In return, you will receive a work related activity component in addition to your basic rate.

Support Group

If you are placed in the Support Group you will not be expected to take part in any work. You can do so on a voluntary basis if you want to.

You will receive a support component in addition to your basic rate.

Helping you into work

If you are in the Work Related Activity Group, you will regularly see your personal adviser to discuss your work prospects. They will give you help and advice.

If you refuse to go to the work focused interviews, or to take part in the work focused interviews, it may affect your entitlement to Employment and Support Allowance.

If you are in the Support Group you do not have to go to interviews, but you can ask to talk to a personal adviser if you want to.

You can find out more on NI Direct

Latest

empower: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures

Read all about our first ever empower Roadshow!
Breaking Barriers: Disability Action's Guide to Accessible Apprenticeships

As Apprenticeships Week unfolds with an air of excitement, Disability Action, in collaboration with empower partners Usel and Specialisterne, proudly presents a groundbreaking resource that marks a significant stride toward inclusivity in Northern Ireland. Our short Accessible Apprenticeships Guide is not just a guide; it's a catalyst for change, a testament to our commitment to fostering a more inclusive apprenticeship landscape.
Driving Opportunities Blossom as Disability Action Teams Up with Foyle School of Motoring

Disability Action's recent sale of an adapted vehicle to Foyle School of Motoring marks a significant stride towards driving inclusivity in the Northwest.
WILL YOU ACT YOUR AGE AT THE FORUM?

Palliative Care Week 2023

Palliative Care Week 2023 is set to be a week of heartfelt engagement and education, shining a light on the significance of palliative care. From illuminating iconic city halls to insightful webinars and practical advice sessions, this week offers something for everyone.
Empower Programme: Unlocking Your Potential

We understand the unique challenges you face, and we're here to provide you with the guidance, support, and tools you need to achieve your professional goals. With Empower, your dreams of employment and personal growth are within reach.
empower Programme: Unlocking Your Potential

We understand the unique challenges you face, and we're here to provide you with the guidance, support, and tools you need to achieve your professional goals. With empower, your dreams of employment and personal growth are within reach.
Voting with a disability

EONI work to ensure that all residents in Northern Ireland are on the electoral register and are able to cast their vote. There are a number of provisions in place to support electors who require additional assistance to cast their vote:
Us Launch 'Universal Credit - A Claimants Guide'

Disability Action's programme participants took part in a series of workshops as part of this participatory research project.
Advice for Informal (Unpaid) Carers and Young Carers

This document offers advice to carers during COVID-19.
Directory of services to help improve mental health and emotional wellbeing

Look after yourself and each other this Christmas.
250,000 downloads of StopCOVID NI app

Department of Health figures show that there have been more than 250,000 downloads of the ‘StopCOVID NI’ proximity app since it went live two weeks ago.
Reasonable adjustments guidance for the retail and hospitality sectors

Equality Commission guidance regarding some reasonable adjustments which businesses may need to consider, particularly with regard to new measures put in place to deal with the impact of the coronavirus.
Financial Support

Finance Support is available to support people in times of financial crisis or need. Crisis Loans and Community Care Grants that were available under the Social Fund have now ended.