How Much ESA Will I Get if I Get PIP?
Understanding how different UK benefits interact can be a challenge, especially when it comes to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Many individuals receiving PIP often wonder whether this will increase or influence the amount of ESA they can claim.
This blog post explores the relationship between ESA and PIP, helping UK residents better understand how much ESA they might receive if they’re already getting PIP.
We’ll break down current ESA rates, eligibility, premiums, and how being in the support group may make a difference.
What Is ESA and How Does It Work Alongside PIP?
ESA is a benefit for people who have a disability or health condition that affects their ability to work. It comes in two primary forms:
- New Style ESA (contribution-based)
- Income-related ESA (legacy benefit)
These two types of ESA are gradually being replaced or supplemented by Universal Credit, but some people still receive them either alone or alongside other benefits.
PIP, on the other hand, is a non-means-tested benefit that supports individuals with long-term physical or mental health conditions. You can receive both ESA and PIP at the same time as they are separate benefits, assessed differently, and serve distinct purposes.
It’s important to understand that receiving PIP does not automatically qualify you for ESA, nor does it directly change the base amount you receive under ESA. However, in certain cases, receiving PIP may make you eligible for additional ESA premiums, particularly under the income-related ESA system.
Are You Eligible for ESA if You Already Receive PIP?
Receiving PIP alone doesn’t guarantee that you are eligible for ESA. ESA entitlement is based on:
- Your ability to work, determined through a Work Capability Assessment (WCA)
- Your National Insurance contributions (for New Style ESA)
- Your income and savings (for income-related ESA)
Eligibility for ESA also considers whether you are placed in the Work-Related Activity Group (WRAG) or the Support Group. PIP may help strengthen your case during a WCA, but the decision is made independently.
So, while receiving PIP does not entitle you to ESA automatically, it may support your ESA claim if your condition limits your capacity to work.
How Much ESA Will You Get If You’re Receiving PIP?
How much ESA you receive depends on several factors, including the type of ESA you are on, the group you are placed in after assessment, and whether you are entitled to disability premiums.
Weekly Rates for ESA Claimants on PIP
Once your ESA claim has been assessed, you’ll be placed in either the Work-Related Activity Group or the Support Group. The weekly ESA payment amounts vary as follows:
| ESA Group | Weekly Rate |
| Work-Related Activity Group | Up to £92.05 |
| Support Group | Up to £140.55 |
If you’re aged under 25 and still in the assessment phase, your payment may be as low as £72.90 per week. After 13 weeks, once assessed, you are moved to the appropriate group with updated rates.
Additional Premiums for PIP Recipients
If you receive income-related ESA and are also claiming PIP, you might be entitled to additional premiums:
| Premium | Weekly Amount | Eligibility Condition |
| Severe Disability Premium (SDP) | £76.40 (single) | You live alone, no one claims Carer’s Allowance for you, and you receive daily living PIP |
| Enhanced Disability Premium (EDP) | £19.55 (single) | You are in the support group and receive PIP daily living or DLA highest care |
These premiums are not available with New Style ESA, which is contribution-based.
Will My ESA Be Higher If I’m in the Support Group?
Being placed in the Support Group can significantly increase your Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) payment. Unlike the Work-Related Activity Group, individuals in the Support Group are not expected to prepare for or seek employment due to the severity of their condition.
The base ESA amount for the Support Group is higher, reaching up to £140.55 per week. Additionally, it provides access to the Enhanced Disability Premium, exemptions from the one-year time limit on contribution-based ESA, and exemption from the Benefit Cap.
Overall, the Support Group offers greater financial security and fewer conditions, making it a more suitable and beneficial option for those with chronic or severe health issues.
Do You Automatically Qualify for ESA if I Get PIP?
This is a common misconception. While PIP assesses how your condition affects your daily living and mobility, ESA evaluates your ability to work or undertake work-related activities. These assessments, although both related to disability, are entirely separate.
Being awarded PIP may support your ESA application, especially in showing the impact of your condition, but it does not automatically qualify you for ESA. You must still undergo a Work Capability Assessment to determine ESA eligibility.
Can You Receive ESA and Universal Credit at the Same Time as PIP?
You can receive PIP alongside both ESA and Universal Credit (UC), depending on your circumstances.
In the current benefits system:
- You cannot make a new claim for income-related ESA. Instead, most new claimants are directed to Universal Credit.
- If you’re on New Style ESA, which is contribution-based, you can also claim Universal Credit if your income is low.
- PIP is not affected by either ESA or Universal Credit and does not count as income for UC calculations.
If you move from ESA to Universal Credit, you may be eligible for a two-week run-on payment of ESA to support the transition.
Is ESA Backdated If I’m Awarded PIP?
ESA can be backdated, but whether you receive backdated payments depends on when you made your claim and your eligibility from that date. It’s important to understand that being awarded PIP does not automatically trigger ESA backdating.
If your ESA assessment takes longer than 13 weeks and you are placed in either the support or work-related activity group, you will receive backdated payments starting from week 14.
However, a delayed claim for PIP that is later successful does not affect ESA backdating. Backdating is always considered from the date of your ESA claim, not the date your PIP award is granted.
To avoid delays in receiving payments, ensure you submit all relevant medical evidence promptly and respond quickly to any requests from the DWP during your assessment period.
What Should You Do to Maximise My ESA While on PIP?
To ensure you receive the maximum ESA entitlement while on PIP, consider the following strategies:
- Make sure your medical evidence clearly shows how your condition affects your ability to work.
- Attend your Work Capability Assessment fully prepared. Bring a list of symptoms and supporting documentation.
- If you’re placed in the Work-Related Activity Group but believe you belong in the Support Group, you can appeal the decision.
- Inform the DWP if you qualify for disability premiums, especially if you live alone and no one cares for you.
- Use a benefits calculator (like those on Turn2Us or EntitledTo) to check for other entitlements or top-ups.
You may also seek support from charities such as Citizens Advice or Scope for help with appeals and applications.
Conclusion
Receiving PIP doesn’t directly change how much ESA you get, but it can increase your entitlement if you’re eligible for additional premiums or if your PIP claim supports your placement in the ESA Support Group. The actual ESA payment you receive depends on multiple factors, including:
- Your assessment outcome (Support Group or WRAG)
- Whether your ESA is contribution-based or income-related
- Your personal financial situation and living arrangements
Always ensure that your application is complete, up to date, and supported by medical evidence to maximise your ESA entitlement while receiving PIP.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to start receiving ESA after applying?
It typically takes up to 13 weeks to complete the Work Capability Assessment. During this period, claimants receive the assessment rate. Payments may be backdated once a decision is made.
Can I claim ESA without a medical assessment if I’m on PIP?
Most ESA applicants must undergo a Work Capability Assessment. However, if you’re terminally ill, special rules may apply allowing for immediate placement in the Support Group.
Is PIP means-tested like ESA?
No, PIP is not means-tested. It’s based purely on how your condition affects your daily life and mobility, regardless of income or savings.
What’s the difference between contribution-based and income-related ESA?
Contribution-based ESA is linked to your National Insurance history, while income-related ESA is based on your household income and savings. The latter can include additional premiums if you’re on PIP.
Can I work part-time and still get ESA and PIP?
Yes, under Permitted Work rules, ESA claimants can work limited hours and earn up to a specific threshold without affecting their entitlement.
What happens to my ESA if I move to Universal Credit?
If you’re transitioning to UC, you may continue receiving ESA for a short period as a run-on. Afterwards, your income is assessed under UC rules.
Will receiving both ESA and PIP affect my Housing Benefit?
If you’re on income-related ESA and qualify for certain premiums, you may automatically get the maximum Housing Benefit for your circumstances.
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