Hi lorrainevb,
You are correct that Carer's Credits count towards the qualifying conditions for New Style ESA.
As for the way that the DWP is currently administering your claim, I cannot comment. Except that for New Style ESA the claimant has to agree a claimant commitment. This was a condition created by the last Tory government which abolished the notion of entitlement to Benefits and replaced it with claimant responsibilities.
David
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems 
