Disability, long-term illness and benefits

PainInTheNeck

Just some posting some brief background info. and would appreciate some advice.

Have had chronic migraine since at least '07 - that's constant low level headache and migraine of varying intensity twice a week (Wed and weekend). But on the whole I wouldn't have classed it as disabling as I had gotten used to them and as I was in senior high when they started and they weren't affecting me that much academically it wasn't much of an issue (some of the side effects from the multitude of med I was tried on were more troublesome than the migraines).

Fast forward to 2010/11 I was started on pregabalin while at uni. which resulted (after a sudden elevation in side-effects after a small rise in dose) in me unable to pass a few exams, was given a repeat year (11/12) by the uni; and was kept on the troublesome medication (which was far more disabling that the migraines which weren't helped at all) while waiting to be seen by neurology again.

As a result of being kept on the meds and some back/shoulder blade/migraine issues I was unable to sit/pass the exams in 2012. And for the past year have had to temporarily withdrawn from uni. and moved back to the family home - was initially just going to be until back pain cleared up / found a job / found a new flat.

This academic year I've had chronic neck/back/shoulder pain starting in August 2012 (in a way replacing the constant headache). Neck pain has been worsening since the start of 2013, have had some chest/heart issues (although nothing serious showed up in holter/echo), and prior to the end of May wasn't sleeping very well and as a result wasn't feeling very well in general (anxiety perhaps and I'd say depressed but not quite full depression, just fed up). The back/neck pain has been put down to fibromyalgia (although this would depend what GP you ask), but am also awaiting a genetics referral for a connective tissue disorder assessment.

In June I started to consider whether I should have been claiming something (prior to the heatwave which wiped me out), but didn't get around to doing anything at the time. Went to see Citizens Advice last week and in the process of discussing DLA and ESA.

Money/benefits wise I have never claimed anything, I was receiving a student loan while studying and for the repeat year, but haven't/don't have an issue with money, I think primarily due to the chronic migraine meaning I don't drive and thus have no great expenditure. (I could live indepenantly 'easily' - perhaps not well on £4K a year). And the exhaustion this year has meant I socialise even then than usual.

The past year I have been living at home and have pretty much cut of most ties with people (as I've been worn out and have been trying to adjust to the more random nature of my migraines), I haven't been paying rent, (haven't been asked) and haven't spent much of my own savings this year.

I'm planning on heading back to uni this year to finish the course; which will be one more repeat year and one full year (hopefully I'll be on meds that work by then).

Anyone happen to be in a similar situation have any advice/guidance on what I should expect from DWP when applying. I take it backdating benefit is probably out of the question? I'm still sort of on denial that I have a disability and don't feel like I deserve/need additional help (at least not until I've used up all my savings), and at times don't feel like I have the energy to plead my case if rebuffed.

Alright not as brief as I expected, I appreciated it if you've read my tale and any advice you could give.

In short: 5yrs+ of chronic illness followed by 1yr of drug-induced disability and 1yr of physical disability. Advice?