Old style ESA claim - can it be done?

Hi

I was just wondering if someone can please advice or help me.

I have had significant and sporadic health issues over the past few years and I have really tried to soldier on with work. This went from full time, to part time and then now nothing.
I was awarded PIP daily living at the standard amount about 1 year ago.

I have never claimed any other benefits. I have paid my NI contributions.

I now been forced out of work due to disability since October (I kept on kidding myself I could find something else that I could do between then and now). I now have no money and the little that comes from the PIP daily living allows me to buy food and pay some bills.

I know I could not choose a worse time to apply for ESA or Universal Credit. ☹

My question is: Is it possible to apply for the “old” style ESA contribution based – as this will allow the Severe Disability Premium?

As I was told by a friend that I should be able to and that due to been eligible for it (due to PIP daily living) that I should call the ESA helpline and request this.

When I have called the general benefit advice line today (as I could not through to ESA), they were steadfast that I can only claim for the “new” style ESA as I was not receiving a Severe Disability Premium in the last month and I was not getting any of the other gateway benefits.

Please can I kindly ask, does anyone have experience or options on where I stand on this?
i.e. is my only option the “new style” ESA? Or could I be considered for the old style contribution based ESA?

I thank you to anyone that can help or advice.