U.K. disability benefits, including Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment,
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), require residence in the U.K. ESA replaced
the Incapacity Benefit and Income Support effective October 27, 2008. ESA does not
include a supplement for children.
Individuals who received Incapacity Benefit and Income Support prior to October 27,
2008, will continue to receive these benefits as long as they continue to satisfy
the entitlement conditions. Entitlement to Industrial Injuries Disabled Benefit payments
require that the work accident or event that caused a worker’s illness occurred in
England, Scotland or Wales.
ESA eligibility requirements:
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must be under state pension age;
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have a disability or health condition that affects how much you work;
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must have worked as an employee or self-employed worker;
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must have paid enough National Insurance contributions or received sufficient National
Insurance credits, usually two to three years' worth;
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must reside in the U.K.; and
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must provide a fit note (sometimes called ‘sick note’ or ‘doctor’s note’).