Benefit Entitlement

booklover

Hello everyone

I hope someone can advise me on this matter. My son is aged 19 and has been diagnosed with ME/CFS 5 months ago. He has been ill for six yers and has gradually deteriiorated over the years.

He is currrently getting some support from the Occupational therapist at hospital.

Due to the severity of his condition, ie. difficulty walking and lack of energy, he is unable to work or attend college and spends most of his time bed bound.

I have found out about ESA and after 6 months of form filling and communcations with the ESA dep he has been granted ESA of £51 per week.

My question is, are there any other benefitshe would be entitled to?

When he is capable of going out he needs to have enjoyment in his life, eg, to go to the cinema or for a coffee or buys books.


Many thanks :A

Fiona

Indie_Kid

Does he have any care nad /or mobility needs that will last for at least another 6 months?

MrsManda

To follow up the previous poster's comment, if he's got care and/or mobility needs he may be entitled to Disability Living Allowance. Have a look at the eligibility criteria here:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/DisabilityLivingAllowance/DG_10011816

booklover

Thanks everyone, though I didnt really get the answer I was looking for. Apart from DLA what else could he be entitled to?

What I mean is, if he doesnt get DLA is he only eligible for £200 per month?? Thats not a lot of money to live on in my opinion!


Thanks

Fiona

Ps. I know he can lots of coffee etc for £200, but he does have debts and he also needs clothes and has to give us a small amount for his board.

Indie_Kid

Debts aren't taken into account for benefit purposes.

nannytone_2

he has no rent and no bills.
i'd love £50 a week to feed myself!
me and my hubby only have that a fortnight and he works full time!

Oldernotwiser

nannytone wrote: »

he has no rent and no bills.
i'd love £50 a week to feed myself!
me and my hubby only have that a fortnight and he works full time!

His ESA is given to pay for his share of bills and food; it isn't just for pocket money!

MrsManda

He doesn't have bills (rent, council tax, electic, gas, TV licence) so cannot get money towards those. Therefore the only benefits he's likely to be entitled to is ESA - meant as a replacement for JSA (i.e. to cover the cost of living) as he cannot work and DLA - meant to provide money to support any extra costs he has due to being disabled.

I'm not sure what else you think he ought to be entitled to

Oldernotwiser

Is this the son who was getting DLA previously?

TOBRUK

booklover wrote: »

Thanks everyone, though I didnt really get the answer I was looking for. Apart from DLA what else could he be entitled to?

What I mean is, if he doesnt get DLA is he only eligible for £200 per month?? Thats not a lot of money to live on in my opinion!


Thanks

Fiona

Ps. I know he can lots of coffee etc for £200, but he does have debts and he also needs clothes and has to give us a small amount for his board.

Hi booklover, he may be eligible for DLA, why don't you look into it? I have M.E. and it has deteriorated over the years (had it diagnosed in 1997!) and am now almost housebound. I receive DLA for mobility and care.