Credits only New Style ESA - are you sure I can claim this?

Just checking that I absolutely am entitled to claim this on behalf of my long term sick son (as a way into UC). We are applying - based on the advice here - for credits only New Style ESA before going on to claim UC so we can get our son a work allowance since he runs a very small business from his bed.

However, he has no NI contributions so far as he got ill when he was 17 and has only just started the business. DWP said he can't apply for ESA because of this.

But can he? I told them it's just for getting NI credits not for getting any money.

I'd appreciate confirmation as I'm ploughing my way through the B&W guide and starting the form and don't want to continue if it's pointless.

Many thanks in advance!

Thanks David. I haven't become my son's appointee as that's just another set of interviews. But am hoping I will be able to speak on his behalf.