I have been diagnosed with the following: 1. Bipolar disorder type 2 2. Anxiety 3. Irritable bowel syndrom 4. Acid reflux GORD 5. Tinnitus with mild hearing loss and was advised by HP to wear tinnitus hearing aid. 6. Mild pectus excavatum which compresses my heart.
and all of these conditions affect my daily life activities and I find myself very exhausted physically and mentally most of the time and I hardly leave the bed.
Now, I am about to apply for ESA and do not know if I have to pick one of these conditions as a cornerstone for my claim when applying or ALL of them will be considered when DWP assesses my claim.
You can use one, all or any combination of your conditions but understand it is not them that are being assessed but rather the limitations that result in regard to a number of work related activities. See our ESA Claim guide for details of the criteria that you will need to meet.
Also, unless you are receiving Housing Benefit and the calculation used the Severe Disability Premium then you will only be able to apply for New Style ESA and will need to meet the associated Contribution Conditions which will require you to have a minimum of 50 weeks of NI Contributions in both of the Tax Years 2017-18 and 2018-19.
Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
