Completing your ESA capability for work questionnaire

The capability for work questionnaire is your chance to tell the DWP how your illness or disability affects your ability to work. You’re being asked to show why Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is the right benefit for you.

You will already have completed the first ESA form (ESA1) - usually over the phone.

This is a long form, and it can be hard work to fill it in - take a break whenever you need to. 

Get help with each part of the form

These help pages are to guide you through each question on the form. They will help you to decide if you need to answer each question. 

We explain what the questions really mean, and give prompts on what to think about. This should help you to answer the questions and get the benefit.

Help filling in your details

If you’re sending the form back late

Medical evidence Your conditions

Your medication and treatment

Help with the physical capabilities questions

Question 1: Moving around

Question 2: Standing and sitting

Question 3: Reaching

Question 4: Picking up and moving things

Question 5: Manual dexterity (using your hands)

Question 6: Communicating - speaking, writing and typing

Question 7: Communicating - hearing and reading

Question 8: Getting around safely

Question 9: Controlling your bowels and bladder and using a collecting device

Question 10: Staying conscious when awake

Help with the mental health questions

Question 11: Learning how to do tasks

Question 12: Awareness of hazards or danger

Question 13: Starting and finishing tasks

Question 14: Coping with changes

Question 15: Going out

Question 16: Coping with social situations

Question 17: Behaving appropriately

Question 18: Eating and drinking

Help with the last section of the form

Face-to-face assessment

Other information

Get extra help with the capability for work questionnaire

If you need extra help with your form, contact your nearest Citizens Advice.

You can also get help from your local disability support agency or local mental health charity.