ESA & DLA Full time student

lovetowinacar

Hello

I have tried to key in details to find out if a full time student at special school receiving maximum DLA can claim ESA. I have been told that they can but website keeps asking for a date of birth to show over 18 and if putting in correct date of birth for age 16 will not go any further.

The individual has profound learning difficulties, unable to talk, dress, etc and needs someone with her 24 hours of day and therefore qualifies for maximum DLA and apparently ESA as well but could anyone confirm if this is correct since benefits advisor site insist on a dob showing 18 years or over?

Many thanks

rogerblack

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/dmgch41.pdf - conditions of ESA entitlement.

ESA can be paid to 16 year olds.
However, it cannot be paid to 16 year olds in fulltime education.
Except people getting DLA.

I question that the BA site is accurate, however, there is nothing to lose by applying.

Apply either on the phone or in writing today, backdated 3 months, if you have a doctor that is willing to sign that he's been incapable for work for that period.
https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/how-to-claim

It seems without doubt that he'd qualify for the support group, which is about 80 pounds a week for a 16yo (I haven't checked)
If your claim is accepted - if I'm not wrong about the entitlement, you would receive a lump sum of about 55/week*3 months, followed by 60/week up until his assessment is done.
At that point, you get the support component also (30/week or so), backdated till 13 weeks after the start of the claim. (so if you apply for it backdated 3 months, then the support component is paid from about the date of claim).

Good luck.