Chrissy. Have you applied for a discretionary housing payment from the council? Also, is there anyway your change in circumstance from SSP to ESA and what looks like a sizeable reduction in your income, could lead to an increase in your housing benefit entitlement?
The initial phone call or on-line form is just to say that you want to claim - the medical stuff is then on another form that will be sent to you later.
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems