Mental Health from DLA to ESA

My son has DLA as he has schizophrenia. Last April he received an ESA50 form to fill. Is this usual for a long term indefinite period DLA claimer? Indefinite was awarded March 2015 - have come to realise that indifinite may not mean long term but just unspecified period. Is there anywhere, advice on how to approach the Medical Interview coming up shortly on 8th November - somewhat terrifying prospect. Thanks for any replies

Hi Montbel and Welcome to the forum, you might want to have a look at the following FAQ which explain where everything is

Welcome to Benefits and Work

I'm afraid that, unlike IB, ESA has not automatic qualification for people in receipt of DLA. All ESA claimants will be subject to periodic reviews even when already in receipt of the benefit.

Our ESA guide explains what to expect at the face2face appointment

ESA claims and appeals

May I suggest that you bookmark/favourite this on your web browser now so that you can find it easily in future? This will allow you to return with further questions or comments about your son's ESA claim without having to start a new topic each time. It helps us enormously when everything relating to the same claim is kept in one topic - and I hope you will find it useful too

My question is why my son is being put forward for ESA and NOT PIP? Other DLA claimants have been asked to claim PIP? So here I am confused. His ATOS interview was cancelled in 2015 and he was awarded indefinite DLA - 18 months ago. These interviews are enormously stressful for people with mental illness. I shall have to accompany him, but I'm 77 and not sufficiently on the ball, but I am the only option. Thankj you for your reply. In the meantime I will do as y ou suggest re looking at ESA claims. I had done so already, but coudln't find anything about the face to face interfview, so sorry.

Hello again, Thank you for you for your response. By phoning the Assessment Centre, I learnt that DLA and ESA are two separate benefits. dam had not applied for ESA, but was sent forms to fill in April 2016 and subsequent assessment interview for 8th November. I learnt from CAB today that ESA will replace Income Support (premium for severe disablement.) I made a mistake with the ESA forms for Adam. I'd recently had cataract operations and didn't notice that a Health Professional Report was needed on Page 20. So the forms were returned with no professional input. This has now been faxed today, via the Mental Health team. Further I have also faxed an A4 and a half detailed letter outlining aspects of how Schizophrenia affects Adam in terms of travelling, coping with social situations, effects on his cognitive abilities, (already someone with a degree of learning disability) his anxiety levels, further stating the physical and mental effects of Clozapine, the amount of constant family support he needs. The 4 weekly blood tests, the 2 weekly necessity for collection of tablets, the gym necessity following on from Clozapine causing Diabetes 2. Cause stated by his Consultant. (Between you and myself, a further heartbreak for me.)
So is there anything else I need to be aware of/do before the interview, other than trying to guess the questions and going through them with Adam. Can I assume we can record the interview or do we have to get special permission in advance.

Montbel

Hi Montbel,

Yes, ESA is replacing IS for people who are unable to work due to illness. This is separate from the DLA (claimants of which will be 'invited' to apply for PIP at some stage).

Have a look at our ESA guider (I supplied a link to it in my previous message), there is a bit towards the back that explains what to expect on the day.

You should consider that the assessment starts as soon as you leave home and does not end until you afre well clear of the assessment centre after the appointment. How your son travels to the centre and how he copes with the journey will be of interest to the assessor.