Mental Health and Benefits

Galvatron_2

dmg24 wrote: »

Galvatron,

It does look like the person in question would qualify for ESA.

With regard to DLA, most people with bipolar do qualify on the grounds that they need watching over (is that the right term? Brain not in gear today) in case of harming themselves, not being aware of danger etc.

As others have said, please ignore the troll that has appeared on this thread. They tend to appear every so often ... but no one takes them seriously!

I suppose we have to wait until she is diagnosed and until then make do with SSP.

dmg24

Galvatron wrote: »

I suppose we have to wait until she is diagnosed and until then make do with SSP.

You do not need a diagnosis to claim DLA, though it does tend to help. You will not be able to claim ESA until SSP is exhausted.

If you feel that an official diagnosis would be beneficial, and you are not getting anywhere in terms of getting to see an NHS psychiatrist, I would consider seeing one privately. If you do this it is likely that you will then get (unofficially) fast tracked to see an NHS psych to organise a long term treatment plan.