Thanks Gordon, Yep that's what I thought, I really think some advisors don't know all the rules themselves; I can see me being without money for a few weeks; I 'filled the esa form in' on the phone', but was told it will be after the 20th Jan when I receive the forms; am I right in assuming I will not receive any money until they get them back and decide; if they accept the fact I have a new illness?