Guidance

Employment and Support Allowance changes from 3 April 2017

This guide explains changes to Employment and Support Allowance from 3 April 2017.

• From: Department for Work and Pensions
• Published: 9 March 2017
• Last updated: 15 October 2025
  Show all updates

  1. 15 October 2025

     Textphone details removed and Relay UK details added to 'Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) changes from 3 April 2017'.

  2. 17 December 2020

     Updated the opening hours of the Jobcentre Plus helpline to 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

  3. 20 November 2017

     Clarified that claimants doing permitted work can earn up to £120 each week after tax.

  4. 9 March 2017

     First published.

Documents

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) changes from 3 April 2017

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Details

This guide explains changes to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) work-related activity group payments from 3 April 2017. It also explains:

• changes to hardship payments
• changes to ESA permitted work rules