Been disabled for a year, and just awarded ESA and DLA - advice please

goodisongirl

hi

I was injured in an serious accident 13 months ago. I was in a fairly well paid job, having always worked since I left university. When it became clear that the physical disability I've been left with was going to prevent me from going back to my job I looked into benefits. As my husband works I was advised I could only apply for DLA and contributions ESA.

I was recently awarded DLA lower rate for care and higher rate for mobility. I have also been awarded ESA contributions based. I am really confused about this ESA benefit though. Please can someone tell me in simple terms what happens after the initial assessment period?

Also, I've just been reading that having higher rate DLA should mean I can get a blue parking badge, and a bus pass. And also I may be able to get a leisure card. Does anyone know if this is correct? Is there anything else I might need to know?

TIA

joe_purdy

I can only help on dla as i get the same rate as you, you can get a free bus pass, i did this at my local library and it came within a few days. You can also get a blue badge, i would advise you to apply for this asap as it takes a while to arrive, if you ring up your local office they send you the forms as they require a copy of your forms to say you get high rate mob, you will also need this when you get your bus pass.

Ive just applied for esa so am just waiting to hear back

Ellejmorgan

Which group are you placed in it will be either the WRAG or support group, that will depend on how long you will get ESA

rogerblack

goodisongirl wrote: »

I have also been awarded ESA contributions based. I am really confused about this ESA benefit though. Please can someone tell me in simple terms what happens after the initial assessment period?

I am assuming you have not yet had your medical.
About the 13th week of the claim, if it's not considered that you don't need a medical, and can on the evidence be directly placed into one of the two groups, you will have an assessment in person.

This will then be used by the DWP to determine which of two groups, the support, or work-related group.
The work-related group has additional requirements, you may be expected to go to appointments, and other things considered appropriate.
Most importantly, in your case, the work-related group is limited so that you would only be paid for one year, unless your circumstances meaning you can't claim income-based ESA change.

If you are not awarded support group, you need to consider if an appeal is possible.

Dunroamin

You don't need to be claiming DLA at any level to get a blue badge.

sock-knitter

councils vary. my council require that you have high rate mobility dla in order to have a blue badge

goodisongirl

Thanks for your replies.

I've had a questionnaire to complete for ESA but not heard any more. Once you have your medical and it is decided which group you are in does the ESA payment remain the same (think I get around £70).

Thanks

HB58

goodisongirl wrote: »

Thanks for your replies.

I've had a questionnaire to complete for ESA but not heard any more. Once you have your medical and it is decided which group you are in does the ESA payment remain the same (think I get around £70).

Thanks

No, you will get more depending on which group you are put in - and backdated to the beginning of week 14.