What Are the ESA Support Group Rates for 2025?

Are you receiving Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and wondering how much support you could get in 2025 if you’re in the Support Group? Understanding benefit rates is crucial for financial planning, especially if you’re dealing with a health condition or disability that limits your ability to work.

The Support Group component of ESA provides enhanced financial assistance to those with the most serious health issues, and the rates are updated each tax year.

In this blog, we’ll explain what the ESA Support Group is, how much you can expect to receive in 2025, and what factors might affect your payment. This guide also ties into the wider UK benefits system, helping you stay informed and in control.

What Is the ESA Support Group and Who Qualifies?

The Support Group is a component of income-related and ‘new style’ ESA, awarded to individuals whose health condition or disability severely limits their ability to work or take part in work-related activity. After an assessment phase, claimants may be placed in either the Work-Related Activity Group (WRAG) or the Support Group.

To be placed in the Support Group, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) must determine that your condition meets specific criteria outlined in the Work Capability Assessment (WCA).

This means your illness or disability either significantly reduces your ability to carry out daily work-related tasks or that forcing you to engage in such activities would pose a risk to your health.

Being placed in the Support Group has several advantages:

• You are not required to take part in work-related interviews or activities.
• You receive a higher payment than those in the WRAG.
• You are eligible for additional premiums if you meet certain conditions.

How Much Is the ESA Support Group Rate in 2025?

As of the 2025–26 tax year, the standard ESA Support Group rate includes a personal allowance plus a Support Component. Here’s how it typically breaks down:

These rates apply to claimants who are not receiving Universal Credit. If you are on Universal Credit and have Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA), your payments will come via UC, not ESA.

Please note that ESA is means-tested (unless you’re on ‘new style’ ESA), so your income and savings could affect your final award. Also, if you’re entitled to additional benefits like the Enhanced Disability Premium or Severe Disability Premium, your total weekly payment could be higher.

Does ESA Support Group Affect Other Benefits?

Yes, receiving ESA Support Group payments can impact other benefits. For instance, being in the Support Group may entitle you to the Enhanced Disability Premium automatically, and you could qualify for the Severe Disability Premium if you live alone and no one claims Carer’s Allowance for looking after you.

ESA can also interact with Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, and Pension Credit. However, if you’re claiming Universal Credit, many of these elements are now included in a single monthly payment, which works differently from legacy benefits like ESA.

For a broader view of how different support payments interact and evolve each year, you can visit the UK Benefits website. It provides up-to-date information on allowances, eligibility, and changes affecting millions of claimants.

How Often Are ESA Rates Updated?

ESA rates are typically reviewed annually, with changes coming into effect each April to reflect inflation and economic adjustments. The DWP publishes updated rates well in advance of the new tax year, so claimants have time to adjust.

You can expect your ESA payments to be recalculated each year if you remain eligible. If your condition worsens or improves, or if your income or household changes, you should notify the DWP as it may affect your entitlement.

Final Thoughts

For those unable to work due to a long-term health condition or disability, the ESA Support Group provides essential financial support. In 2025, the total standard ESA Support Group rate is £135.20 per week, but additional premiums may increase this depending on your circumstances.

Understanding your entitlements and how they fit into the broader welfare system is key to managing your finances confidently. If you’re currently undergoing assessment or considering applying, it’s always wise to gather supporting medical evidence and understand the process thoroughly to ensure you receive the support you’re entitled to.