Need benefits help

charlie_chalk

Hello all,

I am currently claiming ESA. I had and failed the medical so am appealing the decision. It's been ages since I began the process but due to huge back logs have heard nothing about the next stage, or any tribunal details etc.

Recently, my daughter has been diagnosed with Autism. She has been awarded the highest level DLA. This means I won't be able to return to work in the near future even if my own condition gets better so therefore I think I need to switch from ESA to carers allowance. My questions about this are as follows; Do I have to stop my ESA claim before I can even apply for carers? what I dont want to happen is a big delay in getting the carers allowance once I have stopped my ESA. Also, is it straight forward to stop an ESA claim during the appeals process? I am assuming I will get carers based on my daughters highest level DLA and the fact I don't work. I know it isn't a means tested benefit. Is that correct?

Thanks,
CC

kingfisherblue

I've no idea about the ESA, but my son has complex needs and receives high rate care and mobility DLA. I receive CA and Income Support (I'm a single parent) - the IS is an underlying entitlement as a carer.