The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced it is reintroducing Claimant Commitments and Action Plans for people receiving Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
The DWP said the phased approach will see work coaches continuing to engage with claimants to ensure that Claimant Commitments and Action Plans are reasonable and tailored for their circumstances.
The DWP said: This will allow claimants to continue to adhere to Covid-19 public health advice, while also “considering how they can engage with the labour market or move closer to work."
For all new claims to New Style ESA, processed from April 26, 2021, claimants are required to have an appointment with a work coach and agree a Claimant Commitment before they can receive New Style ESA.
For New Style ESA claims processed prior to April 26, 2021, the requirement for an agreed Claimant Commitment and for ESA legacy claimants an Action Plan, will be introduced gradually from June 28, 2021.
The DWP said: “We will contact claimants to arrange an appointment with a work coach and agree a Claimant Commitment or Action Plan.”
What is a Claimant Commitment?
A claimant commitment is a record of a claimant’s responsibilities in relation to an award of ESA. In order to receive ESA without a reduction the claimant is expected to carry out what is required of them as recorded on their claimant commitment.
What is ESA?
You may be able to claim New Style ESA with, or instead of, Universal Credit, depending on your National Insurance record.
If you already claim income-related ESA or contributory ESA, provided you continue to satisfy the entitlement conditions, you can continue to be paid these. If you claim income-related ESA, you will eventually be moved to Universal Credit.
How much money could I get on ESA?
Every claim for ESA is medically assessed by a healthcare professional and you receive £73.10 a week for the first 13 weeks.
If the outcome of your assessment is that you are eligible for ESA, you are put into a group, which in turn affects how much ESA you are paid.
You may be put in to either:
- the work-related activity group - this is for people who will prepare to return to work and will get some support to do that
- the support group - this is for people who are unable to return to work due to their illness or disability
Work-related group
Time limit: up to one year
Amount per week: £74.70
Support group
Time limit: no time limit
Amount per week: £113.55
New style ESA is based on National Insurance contributions and is taxable. It may be reduced if you have a private pension or you’re claiming other benefits. You might also be eligible for Universal Credit that can pay extra amounts depending on your circumstances, for example - if you care for someone.
Am I eligible to claim ESA?
You might be eligible to claim new style ESA if you:
- have a limited capability for work
- are under State Pension age
- have made enough National Insurance contributions
- aren’t getting Statutory Sick Pay
- aren’t working
What are the changes to ESA?
New claims for income-related ESA are no longer available as this has been replaced by Universal Credit.
How do I claim ESA?
To find out more about claiming ESA, visit the dedicated pages on the GOV.UK website here.
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