Employment and Support Allowance launches

The Government has today launched the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) for people who are unable to work due to a health condition.

The ESA replaces incapacity benefit and income support provided on the grounds of incapacity for new claimants. The ESA will include a new work capability assessment that sets out to assess what people are able, rather than unable, to do.

It also includes a set of measures that aims to support people back to work, as well as providing financial support.

Arthritis Care played an important role in developing the work capability assessment questionnaire which will be used when applying for the ESA.

For more information about the ESA, please click here for our factsheet.

A recent survey conducted by Arthritis Care showed that almost half of people with arthritis are no longer working. This makes any changes to out of work benefits a particular issue for people living with the condition.

Abigail Page, head of policy and campaigns at Arthritis Care, welcomes the principle behind the ESA: "Many people with arthritis are able to remain in or return to work with appropriate support and access to services.

"Approaching out of work benefits, when appropriate, as a means of supporting people to return to employment is a very positive step. This must, however, be matched with a better understanding of arthritis amongst those who assess people for benefits as well as employers.

"Many people with arthritis have told us that applications for incapacity benefit are poorly handled as many assessors do not take account of the variable nature of the condition. We very much hoped this is improved under the ESA.

"It is also important that the back to work measures that come with the ESA exist alongside comprehensive health services and support from employers, as much for people at risk of leaving work as those who are no longer working".

Please note that there will be no immediate changes for existing claimants of incapacity benefit and income support on the grounds of incapacity.