• Search
  1. Forum
  3. Members forums
  5. ESA, PIP and DLA Queries and Results
  7. Applying for PIP and UC(/ESA?) with a new diagnosis and a past failed ESA
× Members

Applying for PIP and UC(/ESA?) with a new diagnosis and a past failed ESA

More
1 year 10 months ago #277949 by Helen
Applying for PIP and UC(/ESA?) with a new diagnosis and a past failed ESA was created by Helen
Hello,

I wonder if anyone can please me with my situation, as I'm not sure where to start.

I've been unable to work since 2018 due to chronic migraine, pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression and cognitive issues. I applied for ESA and was failed after the in-person assessment, and I was too unwell at the time to attempt an appeal.

In 2022 after developing weakness and numbness in my hands, I was diagnosed with a congenital brain and spine condition (Chiari Malformation type 1), and I still experience most of the symptoms I've had since 2018. I want to apply for PIP, and also move from housing benefit to UC as after taking the eligibility quiz it looks like I would receive higher payments.

Would I also have to apply for ESA again, while applying for UC, if I'm also applying for PIP?
Is there a better order to apply for these benefits in or anything I should be wary of?
Will they take my previous ESA claim into account with either a PIP or UC claim and hold that against me because I didn't appeal?

I'm so overwhelmed and lost about where I should start and I'm not sure I'm even asking the right questions ...

Thank you for your help, :)
Helen

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

More
1 year 10 months ago #277978 by Gordon
Replied by Gordon on topic Applying for PIP and UC(/ESA?) with a new diagnosis and a past failed ESA
Helen

Dealing with PIP first. PIP is a separate benefit from UC and ESA< there are some areas of overlap but on the whole the criteria is quite different.

No, you do not need to apply for ESA before making a claim for UC, just remember when you make the application to supply a Fit Note as this is needed to start the assessment process.

You can make a claim for ESA but you will need to meet both of the Contribution Conditions and if you have not worked since 2018 then I would not expect you to be able to do this.

As to order, both will provide you with extra income if awarded, both have long queues for assessment although PIP is prioritising new claims. Perhaps a good place to start would be to review the Claim guides for both benefits, follow the Guides link at the top of this page.

Gordon
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
The following user(s) said Thank You: Helen

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: Gordon, Gary, BIS, Catherine, Wendy, Kelly, greekqueen, peter, Katherine, Super User, Chris, David
  1. Forum
  3. Members forums
  5. ESA, PIP and DLA Queries and Results
  7. Applying for PIP and UC(/ESA?) with a new diagnosis and a past failed ESA