IB to ESA and Partner Claiming ESA

Hi there,

I paid my membership and I am still scared of losing DLA Lower rate for care and mobility and IB due to changes in the system.

Brief outline I was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome, TS Syndrome and Dyspraxia as a child in 2004.

I have also since still had my diagnosis confirmed by a Specialist in 2009.

I find it difficult to go out socially in fact I find it impossible unless with someone who can go to the bar in pubs or who can walk with me to the shops etc. I am lucky as I do have a girlfriend and she accompanies me to any Doctors Appointments or to the Pub or simply for going out the flat.

Prior to that I found it hard to get out at all. I always relied on my parents due to my social anxiety.

I can cook basic meals in a microwave or slow cooker. But in short I find it difficult to cook on a cooker due to the fact I can become distracted and once the food actually caught on fire.

There is no way I can go to places without help off my girlfriend as I always get over anxious and by the time I get myself ready it is too late to make the appointment.

All these things are totally true and yet I am very worried due to new regulations.

My girlfriend is now pregnant and is high risk she has applied for ESA as she has no benefits of her own. Again I am not sure if they will call me in for a work focussed interview as well as myself. I have not worked for 12 years and yet I did try a number of jobs before my diagnosis all of them lead to bullying and berating for being too different.

Hope this is not too long. I just wonder if anyone else with Aspergers has managed to keep their DLA and also get Support Group ESA.

Steve

I forgot to add that my partner is 14 weeks pregnant and high risk pregnancy. I am worried that I will be put on ESA or re-assessed due to her claiming ESA on Exemption Grounds.

We are going to have to wait up to 2 weeks to see if she is getting ESA and also if my IB will affect her ESA Allowance.

I know its confusing this one but it is based on her losing her kids last year due to a interim care order.

She lost all benefits and had to move in with me. Since then she has claimed nothing and it is thanks to this site that I found out that if she has a high risk pregnancy then she can get ESA instead of IS.

Steve