UK Lists 22 Medical Conditions for Employment Support Allowance

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced a comprehensive list of 22 medical conditions that qualify individuals in the United Kingdom for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). This benefit is aimed at providing financial support to those who are unable to work or can only work limited hours due to health issues or disabilities.

As of April 2023, ESA rates have increased by 1.7 percent, aligned with the inflation rate from the previous September, according to reports from Birmingham Live. The allowance can provide recipients with up to £200 a week to assist with their living costs.

List of Eligible Medical Conditions

The following medical conditions have been identified as eligible for ESA:

1. Mental and Behavioural Disorders – 689,342 cases
2. Disease of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue – 176,399 cases
3. Symptoms, Signs, and Abnormal Clinical and Laboratory Findings, Not Elsewhere Classified – 127,699 cases
4. Diseases of the Nervous System – 118,767 cases
5. Diseases of the Circulatory System – 53,782 cases
6. Neoplasms – 45,977 cases
7. Factors Influencing Health Status and Contact with Health Services – 32,265 cases
8. Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes – 31,970 cases
9. Diseases of the Respiratory System – 31,281 cases
10. Diseases of the Digestive System – 22,012 cases
11. Congenital Malformations, Deformations and Chromosomal Abnormalities – 19,956 cases
12. Endocrine, Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases – 17,750 cases
13. Diseases of the Eye and Adnexa – 13,568 cases
14. Diseases of the Genito-urinary System – 8,529 cases
15. Certain Infectious and Parasitic Diseases – 6,834 cases
16. Diseases of the Ear and Mastoid Process – 6,779 cases
17. Codes for Special Purposes – 6,664 cases
18. Diseases of the Skin and Subcutaneous System – 5,511 cases
19. Diseases of the Blood and Blood-forming Organs and Certain Diseases Involving the Immune Mechanism – 3,106 cases
20. External Causes of Morbidity and Mortality – 2,922 cases
21. Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Puerperium – 797 cases
22. Certain Conditions Originating in the Perinatal Period – 7 cases

This list reflects the diverse range of health issues that can impact an individual’s ability to work. The DWP’s initiative aims to ensure that those in need receive adequate support to manage their circumstances.

Individuals interested in applying for ESA or seeking further information can visit the DWP’s official website or consult with a local support service.