Guidance

Employment and Support Allowance changes 2012 for claimants in Great Britain

Changes to some rules about Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) in 2012 limiting the period it can be paid .

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Employment and Support Allowance changes 2012 for claimants in Great Britain

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Details

The government has limited the period for which Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) can be paid in some circumstances. On 1 May 2012 the Welfare Reform Act introduced two changes to contribution-based ESA:

  • limiting the period for which people in the Work Related Activity Group (WRAG) can receive contribution-based ESA to 365 days
  • preventing any new claims for ESA on the grounds of youth

The rule about linking ESA claims within 104 weeks has also been abolished by separate regulations.

This document explains more about these changes.

Updates to this page

Published 1 May 2012

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