How is ESA different from Incapacity Benefit and Income Support?
There will be a different assessment to look at how your ill health or disability affects your ability to work. This will take up to 13 weeks, during which time you will get a basic rate of ESA. After 13 weeks, those with the most severe disabilities or health problems will qualify for an additional payment called the support component. They will not have to take part in activities that may help them back into work unless they want to. The majority of people who qualify for ESA will get an additional payment called the work-related activity component instead. If you fall within this group, you will be required to take part in an assessment to look at the extent to which you still have some ability to work. You may also be asked to attend workfocused interviews to talk about your work prospects, the steps you are willing to take to move into work, and the support that can be provided to you. However, because you also have caring responsibilities these must be taken into account in decid
