ESA for Physical and Mental Health conditions

Izzy1010 wrote:

I have checked the forum for previous posts but cant find an answer. Is it possible to apply for ESA and DLA on both physical and mental health conditions if you have both and do you have to complete both sets of forms?

Not entirely sure what you are asking but I'll have a go

Yes, it is possible to claim ESA and/or DLA on the basis that you are suffering from both a physical disability and that you also have mental health issues. For example, someone who has lost a leg (physical), may also suffer from severe depression that impacts their day to day living (mental health).

With regard to filling out the forms. ESA and DLA are seperate benefits with different criteria, you must fill in the relevant forms for each benefit.

Gordon

Izzy1010 wrote:

Thank you for your quick response Gordon, it is much appreciated. I know that ESA and DLA are separate with different criteria but as I understand it when you claim either benefit you claim either on physical grounds or mental health grounds, but if you suffer from both and the mental health issues are of equal significance as the physical grounds, do you fill in to sets of forms for ESA and two sets of forms for DLA, I'm sorry if I didn't make it clear, its brain fog and stress.

No, the ESA form is already divided into two sections, questions 1-10 cover your physical disabilities and 11-17 cover mental health issues. For DLA, there is one form that cover both issues, if a particular question can be covered by both a physical and a mental health problem, then you should answer it twice within the same section.

How to complete the ESA and DLA claim forms is explained in more detail in our guides, there is also one that covers dual diagnosis for DLA.

Gordon