The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) offers £362 per month in support through Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) to individuals living with one of 23 specified health conditions that impact their ability to work.
Whether you’re employed, self-employed, or unemployed, you may qualify—provided you also meet National Insurance and assessment criteria.
What Is the £362 ESA Support?
This is known as New Style ESA, a contribution-based allowance for those who have paid sufficient National Insurance (NI) contributions.
It provides a weekly income that can sum up to approximately £362 per month once you pass assessment and qualify for the support group.
Qualifying Health Conditions (23 Categories)
To be eligible, your condition must fall under one of these health categories:
- Infectious/parasitic diseases
- Neoplasms (cancers)
- Blood and immune disorders
- Endocrine, nutritional, metabolic disorders
- Mental and behavioural disorders
- Nervous system diseases
- Eye and related disorders
- Ear and mastoid disorders
- Circulatory diseases
- Respiratory diseases
- Digestive diseases
- Skin and subcutaneous diseases
- Musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases
- Genito-urinary diseases
- Pregnancy and childbirth-related conditions
- Perinatal conditions
- Congenital malformations and chromosomal abnormalities
- Symptoms or abnormal clinical findings
- Injuries, poisoning, other external causes
- External causes of mortality/morbidity
- Health status factors and service contacts
- Special purpose codes
- Unknown or undiagnosed claims
If your condition falls into one of these categories and affects your ability to work, you may qualify—subject to assessment.
ESA Weekly & Monthly Rates
| ESA Phase / Group | Weekly Rate (£) | Equivalent Monthly (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment Phase (25+ years) | 92.05 | 368.20 |
| Work-Related Activity Group (post-2017) | 92.05 | 368.20 |
| Support Group (all ages) | 140.55 | ~£562.20 |
To reach the £362 per month figure, most claimants refer to the assessment phase or Work-Related Activity Group rate, which aligns closely with that amount when calculated monthly (~£368).
Eligibility Criteria Beyond Health Condition
To receive this support, you must also:
- Be below State Pension age
- Have paid sufficient NI contributions in the last 2–3 years
- Not already receiving Jobseeker’s Allowance or statutory sick pay
- Possibly receive Universal Credit, but your ESA may be deducted from it
- Complete a Work Capability Assessment to determine placement in the proper ESA group
Why the Amount Seems to Differ
Although reports mention £362/month, the precise weekly support for someone in the assessment phase or work-related group is £92.05. When multiplied over four weeks, this approximate equals £368 per month, close to the £362 stated—likely rounded for simplicity.
If you live with a qualifying health condition from the listed categories and have sufficient NI contributions, you could get £362 a month (approx.) through New Style ESA, helping to cover living costs or assist your return to work.
It’s vital to understand your benefits, complete the assessment promptly, and report any changes to your situation. This support could be a lifeline—ensure you claim what you’re entitled to.
FAQs
Why is the support described as £362 monthly?
It’s based on the £92.05 weekly ESA rate for those in the assessment phase or work-related group, rounded to approximately £362/month.
Can I claim this ESA if I already receive Universal Credit?
Yes, you can claim both. However, your Universal Credit may be reduced by the ESA amount you receive.
What happens after the assessment phase?
After approximately 13 weeks, you’ll be assessed and placed into either the Work-Related Activity Group or the Support Group—each with distinct weekly rates and eligibility for additional premiums.
