ESA Credit only claim, can I take the health assessment call as my son's appointee?

Khols

Hello

I wonder if anyone can advise me please if I can take the health assessment call in its entirety on behalf of my 16 year old son?

I am his DWP appointee and have been advised to make a credit only ESA claim in advance of him starting college in September so he can build up his NI contributions. I stated when completing the form that my son will understate his condition (hemiplegia) and say he can do everything. I also stated he's recently lost a disabled friend to suicide and it won't be good for his mental health to list everything he cannot do.

My son does not understand the importance of making the application.

Can anyone advise what my rights are in this scenario please? I will probably just withdraw the claim and decline the telephone appointment if I can't speak on Son's behalf, as it will cause too much stress for us both which as a single parent I can't cope with.

Thanks in advance for any help/advice you can offer.

poppy123456

May I ask if you're still claiming child benefit for your son? and potentially child tax credits or child element of Universal Credit? If you are then a claim for ESA will end those

To answer your question if you've gone through the appointee process for the ESA then yes you will do the assessment on his behalf.

Khols

Hello thanks for your response... according to Guidance on the Contact a Family page child benefit and tax credits won't stop... providing they find a limited capacity for work before his course starts. It's all very confusing. Hopefully you can read this link. https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/benefits-financial-help/universal-credit/universal-credit-for-young-people/

As long as I can be the spokesperson I'll proceed. Thanks again.

poppy123456

That's good to know, thank you. If you are his official appointee for ESA then yes you will be responsible for his claim. Please note that if you're his appointee for his PIP/DLA or ADP then this doesn't mean you're his appointee for ESA. You will need to go through the process again for this claim.

Khols

Oh dear me, I just thought the appointeeship covered everything DWP related, as I set it up with the PIP invite letter. I'll try and ring them in the morning. Thanks again.

poppy123456

No, unfortunately it doesn't. Same when you apply for UC for him, you will need to go through the same process again for this.

Albus_Scope

Hey there @Khols and welcome to the community.

I can see Poppy is already helping you out with your questions, but I just wanted to pop in and say a quick hi. Best of luck with the call to the DWP.

Khols

Thanks for checking in, much appreciated. I spoke to appointments line for the health assessment this morning and thankfully they will only need to speak with me.