To DLA or not to DLA.

Scarab

Would I be correct in saying that the ESA SG is a passport benefit (I think that's the right term) to DLA?
I can't decide whether to apply or not, my transfer from IB to ESA recently was ultimately straightforward enough, though the stress levels red-lined at times, but now I'm set until Aug 2013 I think I'd only consider claiming if the battle was already won.
Has anyone on the forum been placed in the SG and subsequently been refused DLA?

Torry_Quine

No it's not a passport to other benefits, sorry. DLA is worked on different criteria although I would hope being in the support group for ESA would help.

If you have care or mobility needs then I would suggest putting in an application for DLA.

[Deleted User]

esa is about your ability to work,or not work dla is about care/mobility needs and can be paid as an in or out of work benefit

Mupette

nope, i got my dla before i got esa.

some people see dla as the passport

System

SG didn't have any bearing on mine, and my award was lowered last time even though i'm still in SG

If you have the care/mobility needs then apply

rogerblack

In addition, if you do get DLA care at either of the higher rates, and some other conditions are met, this may lead to a higher ESA rate, as premiums kick in.
http://www.benefitsnow.co.uk/esa/rates.asp#disability

Scarab

Thank you for your replies though I'm still not sure whether (aside from the stress aspect), from a moral aspect I should claim or not.
You see I've now managed to cut my costs down to a minimum through a combination of thriftiness (b/r in 2009) and a hermit lifestyle (m/h) and therefore get a fair bit more each month than I currently spend, (outgoings £120 p/m - water £10/elec £30/internet £25/food £55 ... income £490 p/m - £520 p/m after April).
A better car would be nice as mines just failed its mot and isn't worth repairing, would I be eligible for motability via DLA for m/h issues?

Scarab

Just to add for those of you who may consider a claim for DLA to be extracting the proverbial, I would like to say that obviously having minimised my outgoings to the bare essentials, this gives me no kind of quality of life at all. For instance I never put the heating on, never buy new clothes unless I'm absolutely desperate, prefer to await for my children to ring me for free as opposed to spending on a phone call (though I give them money whenever they need it) and rarely venture out except to food shop where I only buy the basic ranges or the special offers. I will walk to and from the supermarket rather than spend a fiver on a cab (which is exhausting as my lifestyle has made me truly unfit).
In essence, I have developed almost a paranoia about my finances following my b/r in 2009 and the prospect of not having any money if I failed the esa assessment phase, the idea that I might have had to appeal and also arrange HB and ESA continuity and the stress that would have entailed nearly drove me over the edge, I was actually looking at ropes and step ladders on Amazon (true) the very morning I phoned the DWP for a decision, seven weeks after my medical.
In essence, the possibility of buying and running a reliable car and having added funds that may help me to improve my condition without fretting about the cost is one I maybe should consider, I want to accrue some savings for possible future emergencies i.e ESA refusal late 2013 (well below the 6k limit obviously), better manage my condition domestically and perhaps try to participate more in life than I have done since the end of 2001.

tomjonesrules

Scarab wrote: »

Thank you for your replies though I'm still not sure whether (aside from the stress aspect), from a moral aspect I should claim or not.
You see I've now managed to cut my costs down to a minimum through a combination of thriftiness (b/r in 2009) and a hermit lifestyle (m/h) and therefore get a fair bit more each month than I currently spend, (outgoings £120 p/m - water £10/elec £30/internet £25/food £55 ... income £490 p/m - £520 p/m after April).
A better car would be nice as mines just failed its mot and isn't worth repairing, would I be eligible for motability via DLA for m/h issues?

The likelihood of qualifying for DLA HRM for MH problems (which entitles you to a car) are very low. It is possible, but very rare.

nannytone_2

with talk talk you can get 24/7 landline calls plus internet with line rental included. so you would be able to call your kids for no more than you pay now!

tomjonesrules

nannytone wrote: »

with talk talk you can get 24/7 landline calls plus internet with line rental included. so you would be able to call your kids for no more than you pay now!

The OP might be on the BT Basic package - can't get much cheaper than £5 a month!