Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is an out of work benefit for people who due to an illness or disability would struggle to work.
It was introduced in 2008 to replace Incapacity Benefit, Severe Disablement Allowance, and Income Support on the grounds of ill-health.
As well as the key claiming criteria, someone will only be entitled to ESA if they are found to have a 'limited capability for work' under the 'Work Capability Assessment'.
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