Benefits if unable to work: rates and thresholds

This page provides details of benefits rates and savings thresholds as of April 2018. It is designed to be used in conjunction with other Alzheimer’s Society information about benefits and how to apply for them, especially our page on benefits for those unable to work.

Employment and support allowance (ESA)

For the first 13 weeks of your claim you will be paid the assessment phase rate.

If aged 25 or over £73.10 weekly

If aged 18–24 £57.90 weekly

From week 14 onwards you will receive main phase ESA with either a work-related activity component or a support component in addition to your basic rate.

Basic rate £73.10 weekly

Work-related activity component £29.05 weekly

Support component £36.55 weekly

Incapacity benefit

Long-term (after 52 weeks) £106.40 weekly

Statutory sick pay

Standard rate £89.35 weekly (you need to be earning at least £113 a week to qualify).

Income support

Available to people over the age of 16 until they are eligible for Pension credit. You need to have capital (savings and other assets) of less than £16,000 to be able to claim.

Personal allowance (if aged over 25) £73.10 weekly

Couple (both aged over 18) £114.85 weekly

Enhanced disability premium £15.90 weekly

Severe disability premium £62.45 weekly

People entitled to Pension credit should claim this instead of Income support.