Contribution-related ESA in 2013

The Welfare Reform Act 2012 limits the amount of time people who are not in the Support Group can claim contribution-based ESA to up to one year without having to re-qualify. The Act has also removed the special contribution conditions that allow people aged between 16 and 20 (or under 25 if in education or training at least three months immediately before turning 20) to receive contribution-based ESA without paying National Insurance contributions.