Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Taken from NRAS magazine, Winter 2008
The ESA has been designed to help people achieve their full potential with
personalised support.
It consists of two phases:
- the assessment phase rate is paid for the first 13 weeks of a claim while a
decision is made on your capability for work through the Work Capability
Assessment
- the main phase starts from week 14 of a 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:
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 have
access to a range of 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 because your illness or disability has
a severe effect on your ability to work, you will not be expected to take part
in any work related activity. You can do so on a voluntary basis if you want to.
You will receive a support component in addition to your basic rate.
For more information see: www.directgov.co.uk or http://www.disabilityalliance.org/esa.htm