DLA and Esa

[sueuk]

Hi I am in the work related group for esa I appealed around 6 month ago to go into the support group and have heard nothing ! I have recently been awarded high rate disability as i can barely walk does any one know if this means i will automatically go into the support group

[Saskia]

Hi Sueuk,

When I rec'd my phone call telling me about the ESA50 form, I asked if I would be put into the support group because I am on higher rate mobility for an "indefinite period" and on lower rate care and I was told that that has absolutely no bearing on the ESA claim. I have filled in my form and sent it off (well I didn't.... someone from a local advocacy centre filled it in but I am not sure that what she wrote was all that helpful, but that is another story as her advice was a bit dodgy to say the least!!!!!) and I am just waiting to hear. If I am unsuccessful then I shall be forced to appeal. My husband will support me but I think I shall go to the CAB if necessary as I didn't feel very confident with the lady who filled the ESA form in. She was pleasant but she told me all sorts of conflicting information which made me wonder just how well trained and/or experienced she is.

I hope I haven't disappointed you with this news, but I was told quite categorically by the Jobcentre lady that DLA has no bearing on ESA and is not taken into account, which seems ludicrous to me.

Hope this helps. Good luck with your appeal. I hope you get good news sooner rather than later. You have been waiting such a long time already.

Try not to worry too much. I am trying hard myself but part of my problem is anxiety and depression and it isn't easy to ignore all the aggravation that we are being put through. I think it is tantamount to victimisation of a minority group. We are all struggling anyway without all the extra hassle and stress that we are being subjected to.

Love and comforting hugs, Saskia XX

[Hidden]

Hi

Sorry your DLA has no impact on ESA as the criteria is different and ESA is stricter than DLA. They rarely overlap although it has been known for a DLA award to change based on an ESA assessment but not the other way around I'm afraid. It sounds really daft I know but those are the rules unfortunately.

[Ozzygirl64]

It does not have any bearing on it at all as far as they are saying. But I find that abit contradictory if you read some fot he stories where DLA IS using ESA assessments to knock people off DLA in some cases. I am on high mob and low care but never got ESA. It is all based on targets and we all know how the powers that be HAVE to meet targets, no matter who suffers in the long term.

[angib53]

Hi to everyone , need some advice , please ,, I have been refused dla twice and this morning went to the citezens advice , I have sent another appeal in were I will have to go infront of a panel of people . Iam not looking forward to this but I have to . I also have put a claim in for esa which I have done over the phone , I have to get my ssp1 form from my employer as my statuary sick ends next month . I was also advised to get a esmi report from my doctor which I think he will do for me , any advice soo welcome as ive not done this before , iam flareing all the time , what with the weather now this stress , iam trying hard not to be stressed as I know I will pay for it , I feel exhausted already and this is only the beggining .hugs to all xx angie x sue I wish you luck , let me know how it goes x

[klee]

Hi

I put in an appeal in Feb 2012 and I never heard in Oct 2012 I was put into the support group, it takes time.

[fibro]

DLA can be paid to someone who is working, so it shouldn't have any bearing on the ESA claim, although they do ask what other benefits you are claiming

hope you hear soon xx