Changes to ESA and Permitted Work

Currently those in the ESA support group are able to undertake ‘permitted work’ at the ‘higher limit’ for an indefinite period and retain their ESA award. This allows claimants to earn up to £115.50 per week without it affecting their ESA award so long as they work for less than 16 hours per week. Those in the ESA work-related activity group however, can only undertake such work for a 52 week period before their ESA award would be affected.

In a welcome benefit change, from April 2017, this 52 week limit will be lifted so that ‘permitted work’ at the higher limit can continue indefinitely for all ESA claimants.