ESA, Couple of questions.

Hello, My Husband has suffered all his life with [Doctors Diagnosis]:- Dysthymia [Depression], O.C.D. [Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Comorbid Avoidant Personality Traits.
A Few years ago he attended an Addictive Behaviours Service for his Alcohol drinking problems and after completing the course is now although not 100% much better than before and recovering at home,
He has been on DLA For over 12 Years and the award is for Life [Highest rate for care and lower rate for mobility]
We have received the 20 page ESA50/03/11,
Can some one tell me:-

1. Do I Need to mention my husbands drink problem in the Questioner ? As although this is a recent problem I Do not want it to detract from the real problem of Mental Health problems he has had all his life.
2.When filling out the Questions is it advisable to obviously mention normal day to day problems but also explain his inability to participate in finding work or working at all or just day to day home life?,
thank you all very much.

Hi,

I think the ESA50 has a question about whether the claimants problems have been caused or made worse by drug or alcohol use - this will need to be answered accurately as regards his current difficulties.

If you follow the steps in the guide it will take you through answering the questions in the ESA50. In general the questions are about your ability to undertake everyday activities, regardless of whether in a home or work context.

Steve