What is New-style ESA?
New-style ESA is a type of contributory ESA, which means it is based on your personal National Insurance contribution history. It follows the same rules as the older type of contributory ESA, known as ‘contribution-based ESA’.
The main difference is that New-style ESA is part of the Universal Credit system. This means if you receive New-style ESA and your income is low, you will need to claim Universal Credit to top it up if you are eligible.
If you are unsure whether you receive contribution-based or New-style ESA, you can check with the DWP. The start date of your claim can also be a general guide, as new claimants had to claim New-style ESA rather than contribution-based ESA once Universal Credit was rolled out in their area. This was completed across the UK and Northern Ireland by December 2018, therefore claims made after that date are very likely to be for New-Style ESA.
