Introduction

If you’ve just found out that you’ve been placed in the support group for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), you’re probably wondering what that means. What happens if I am put in the support group for ESA? The support group is the top tier of ESA, given to people who are seriously ill or disabled and can’t be expected to work. This isn’t just about getting more money—it’s about less pressure and more stability. So, let’s break down what you can expect.

What Does Being in the ESA Support Group Mean?

Being in the ESA support group means the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has assessed you as having limited capability for work-related activity. In simple terms: they don’t expect you to work or even prepare for work right now.

How do they decide that? Through the Work Capability Assessment. If your condition meets specific criteria—like scoring enough points or being considered at risk—they’ll place you in the support group.

“By being placed in the support group you are recognised as having no expectation to work again,” says an adviser at Scope.

This status gives you a bit of breathing space. You don’t have to attend interviews or courses, and there’s no pressure to look for jobs.

Key Benefits of the Support Group:

• No mandatory job-seeking requirements

• No work-focused interviews or courses

• No sanctions for missing appointments

How Much Money Will I Get in the Support Group for ESA?

Here’s the good news—your money goes up. Once you’re in the support group, the amount you receive increases.

• During the first 13 weeks (assessment phase), you get the basic ESA rate.
• After 13 weeks, your payments increase. If you’re on income-related ESA, this could be up to about £140.55 per week.
• You might also qualify for:
  • Enhanced Disability Premium
  • Severe Disability Premium

This boost can really help with the extra costs of living with a serious health condition.

What rules apply if I’m in the support group for ESA?

If you’re in the support group you are NOT required to:

• Attend work-focused interviews

• Take part in any work-related activity

• Meet conditionality or risk benefit sanctions

You’re protected from the usual pressure to get back into work. You can take part in voluntary programmes if you want to, but it’s entirely up to you.

How Long Does Being in the ESA Support Group Last?

There’s no fixed end date. Unlike the Work-Related Activity Group, which is limited to 365 days for contribution-based ESA, being in the support group can continue indefinitely.

However, DWP may schedule a reassessment. This is to check whether your condition has changed. They’ll usually give a “prognosis” date—commonly 1, 2, or 3 years from your last assessment.

Can I claim other benefits if I’m in the support group for ESA?

Absolutely. Being in the support group opens the door to other financial help. For example:

• Universal Credit – You might get the LCWRA (Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity) element.
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – If your disability affects daily living or mobility.
• Council Tax Reduction – Many local councils offer discounts.
• Winter Fuel Payment and other cost-of-living help.

And here’s a bonus: you’re exempt from the benefit cap, which means your benefits won’t be limited even if your total household income goes over the usual threshold.

ESA Support Group Disability Premium

If you’re in the support group for income-related ESA, you may also qualify for disability premiums. These include:

• Enhanced Disability Premium – If you’re in the support group or receive the highest rate of care component of DLA or daily living part of PIP.
• Severe Disability Premium – If you live alone (or are treated as living alone), get PIP daily living or middle/high care DLA, and no one claims Carer’s Allowance for looking after you.

These premiums are added to your ESA and can make a significant difference to your weekly income.

How Do Savings Affect ESA Support Group Payments?

Your savings can affect your ESA depending on the type you’re getting:

• Contribution-based ESA (or New Style ESA): Your savings don’t affect your payments.
• Income-related ESA:
  • Savings under £6,000: No effect.
  • Savings between £6,000–£16,000: Your ESA is reduced.
  • Savings over £16,000: You won’t be eligible.

So if you’re getting income-related ESA and your savings are above £6,000, expect a reduction. Make sure you notify the DWP if your financial situation changes.

How decisions are made: work capability assessment

The DWP uses the Work Capability Assessment, which assesses how your condition or disability affects your ability to carry out specific activities. Scoring at least 15 points, or showing you are at substantial risk, can see you placed in the support group.

What if I think the decision is wrong?

If you think you’ve been unfairly placed in the wrong group, you can challenge it.

• First, ask for a mandatory reconsideration.
• If that fails, you can appeal to a tribunal.

“About 60% of appeals succeed after initial ‘fit to work’ decision,” says the Zacchaeus Trust.

So it’s definitely worth pursuing if you believe the decision doesn’t reflect your condition.

What are the Next Steps After Being Placed in the ESA Support Group?

You don’t have to do anything dramatic, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Keep submitting fit notes if asked during the assessment phase.
• Notify DWP about any changes in circumstances (e.g. hospital stays, savings above £6,000, changes in your condition).
• Stay in contact with DWP for any updates about reassessment.

You can also consider applying for other benefits or services that could make life easier.

Table: ESA Support Group vs Work-Related Activity Group

Feature	Support Group	Work-Related Activity Group
Work-related interviews	❌ Not required	✅ Required
Payment rate	Higher (support component + basic rate)	Lower/basic + (historical) work-related rate
Time limit	❌ Indefinite	✅ Typically 365 days
Risk of sanction	❌ No sanctions	✅ Sanction risk if commitments unmet
Benefit cap	❌ Exempt	✅ Applies if not exempt

Conclusion: What happens if I am put in the support group for ESA?

In short, being placed in the support group for ESA means more financial support and fewer expectations. You won’t be pushed into work programmes, and your payments continue as long as you’re eligible. It’s a recognition that your health makes working unrealistic right now. Knowing your rights and what support is available can really make a difference.

FAQs

Will ESA stop if I refuse a work-related interview if I’m in the support group?

No. Support group members are not required to attend any interviews.

Can DWP move me out of the support group later?

Yes, but only if your condition improves. They usually reassess your case every 1 to 3 years.

Do I still get Universal Credit if I’m in the ESA support group?

Yes. You can receive both, but the ESA may reduce the UC amount. You’ll get the LCWRA element on UC.

Are ESA support group payments means-tested?

It depends. Contribution-based ESA isn’t means-tested. Income-related ESA is, but you’ll still receive support while eligible.

What if I think I should be in the support group but was placed in WRAG?

Request a mandatory reconsideration. If that doesn’t work, appeal to a tribunal. Many appeals are successful.