Dla

confused76

My brother has been in the ESA Support Group for a few months and I was wondering is it worth him applying for DLA? My understanding is that DLA is about care needs, is that correct?

He is a little reluctant to apply because of the mention of medicals, he had a rough time at his last medical for ESA. Would he still get a medical being in the support group?

Thanks for your time

MrsManda

Does he have care and/or mobility needs?

The criteria for ESA and DLA are different as ESA is to do with ability to work and DLA is for care/mobility needs regardless of ability to work.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Disabledpeople/DG_10011816

If he applies he may not need another medical assessment as though the criteria (and thus the medical assessment) is different to that of ESA they can use the ESA assessment as evidence. I applied for ESA and DLA around the same time and my ESA medical was used to assess my DLA alongside reports from my doctors.

Prinzessilein

There are two components to DLA. Care and Mobility. It is possible to be awarded either or both of these at different rates.

Being in the ESA Support Group will not guarantee an award of DLA, nor will any specific diagnosis of a condition. DLA is given according to care and mobility needs - and can be claimed whilst working as well as when unemployed.

Does your brother have care or mobility needs? Someone will probably be able to provide you with a link to the DLA criteria so you can see whether a claim would be appropriate.


In the first instance your brother would need to fill in forms - these are not the most straightforward of forms, but many people complete them on their own - or there is help available free from various groups. After completing the forms there is a good chance that he will be asked to attend a medical - conducted by the same company as conduct the medicals for ESA. I do not believe that being in the support group would exclude him from a DLA medical. (Some people do get DLA without a medical - to date I have not attended medicals for my DLA or my IB....but this does not mean I will never have one...in fact I expect to be called for the IB to ESA medical at some point)

confused76

Yes he does Mrsmanda. Thanks for the explanation, that makes sense x

confused76

ahh right i see thanks Prinzessilein...

I think i will suggest my brother gets some help with the forms and take it from there

[Deleted User]

confused76 wrote: »

ahh right i see thanks Prinzessilein...

I think i will suggest my brother gets some help with the forms and take it from there

DIAL (if you have one)cab or welfare rights all may help,