ESA Rates 2026/27 - How Much Is ESA Per Week?
Updated May 2026 - Based on current UK benefits rules
If you are claiming ESA or the Universal Credit health element, knowing exactly how much you are entitled to is important for financial planning. Here are the current rates for the 2026/27 tax year (from April 2026).
ESA Rates (Legacy)
| Component | Weekly rate | Annual equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Personal allowance (single, 25+) | £95.55 | £4,969 |
| Support Group component | £50.35 | £2,618 |
| Total Support Group | £145.90 | £7,587 |
| WRAG component (pre-April 2017 claims only) | £33.70 | £1,752 |
| WRAG (post-April 2017 claims) | £0 (personal allowance only) | £4,969 |
Universal Credit Health Element Rates
| Element | Monthly rate | Annual equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| LCW element | ~£156 | ~£1,872 |
| LCWRA - existing claimants (pre-April 2025) | £429.80 | £5,158 |
| LCWRA - new claimants (from April 2025) | £217.26 | £2,607 |
What Affects Your ESA Rate?
Which group you are in
The Support Group (LCWRA) pays significantly more than the Work-Related Activity Group (WRAG/LCW). If you believe you should be in the Support Group, see our guide on how to qualify for the Support Group.
Your age
ESA personal allowance is lower if you are under 25 (£75.30/week vs £95.55/week for 25+).
Your partner
If you have a partner, your joint income and savings are considered. On Universal Credit, both partners' circumstances affect the overall award.
Other income
Occupational pensions over £85/week reduce ESA pound for pound. PIP does not affect ESA. Savings over £6,000 reduce UC (over £16,000 disqualifies you).
ESA vs Working
The value of a successful ESA claim is substantial. The Support Group pays £7,587/year in legacy ESA, or £5,158/year in UC LCWRA for existing claimants. Over 3 years, that is £15,000-£22,000. Getting the right words on your form is worth investing in.
When Are ESA Rates Changing?
ESA rates are usually uprated every April in line with inflation. The next uprating will be in April 2027. The government has also announced plans to abolish the WCA entirely from April 2028, replacing it with a PIP-based system. Until then, current rates and rules apply.
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