esa or dla?

Hi, I have been unable to work for 10 months because of severe depression/anxiety. My employment has just come to an end and I have made a claim for ESA (by phone only so far). Reading articles on this site, though, I wonder if I would be elligible for DLA instead? Would I have been told this when I made the telephone claim for ESA or do I have to reclaim for DLA? Has anyone been through something similar?

Minnime wrote:

Hi, I have been unable to work for 10 months because of severe depression/anxiety. My employment has just come to an end and I have made a claim for ESA (by phone only so far). Reading articles on this site, though, I wonder if I would be elligible for DLA instead? Would I have been told this when I made the telephone claim for ESA or do I have to reclaim for DLA? Has anyone been through something similar?

Hi,

DLA is a totally separate benefit to ESA.

DLA is paid if you have care and/or mobility needs and can be paid whether you are in work or not.

Full details of DLA are in the guides in the members area here:

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants

with how to claim here:

www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits...edpeople/DG_10011925

Pete

As Pete says, this doesn't have to be an either/or situation as the criteria for the benefits are different. Some people who claim DLA work and therefore don't get ESA, some people on ESA don't qualify for DLA, some people get both - and, if ATOS get their way, many people get neither!

Thank you for your response! I have just received a letter advising I am going to be paid just over £11 a week ESA. I will definitely have to claim DLA - how does that paltry amount replace my wage?!!