Mental health problems, osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis - can I claim ESA?

Kirstie74 said:

I have mental health problems, osteoarthritis in my joints and Plantar fasciitis in my right foot. Am I right in thinking I can claim esa?
I currently receive income support as I have a disabled daughter but my health problems are getting worse.
I've been told I could claim esa and pip any advice please?
Thank you in advance

If your area is a full universal Credit area then it's this you'll need to claim and not ESA, so i'd be VERY careful here.

As you already claim Income Support then unless you're placed into the Support Group then your money will be the same as Income Support. If it's UC you have to claim then the premiums aren't paid with this. I'd advice you to go to your local CAB for further advice before you do anything else.

For PIP, it's not about a diagnosis, it's how those conditions affect you daily. Have a look at this link and complete the self test. http://www.mybenefitsandwork.co.uk/pip/indexxx.php

It's just a guide on the points that you could get but evidence will be needed. A face 2 face assessment is usually done too, as it's rare to have a paper based decision.

If you think you qualify then you'll need to ring the PIP help line to start a claim.