5. Claiming employment and support allowance
How you claim employment and support allowance (ESA) depends on your circumstances. Check what kind of ESA you should apply for and how to claim at .
Either member of a couple can make a claim for income-related ESA for both, but whoever claims must be eligible in her/his own right. You claim contributory ESA for yourself only.
You are usually interviewed after you claim. You must provide medical certificates from your GP until you are assessed under the work capability assessment.
Claims for ESA can be backdated for up to three months.