ESA - how do I claim for my daughter? Which one should I claim for? — Scope | Disability forum
Please read our updated community house rules and community guidelines.

ESA - how do I claim for my daughter? Which one should I claim for?

kitty25
kitty25 Community member Posts: 4 Connected
Hello
My daughter is 18 and has severe learning difficulties and CP.   She is in receipt of PIP and I have been advised by a friend that she can also claim for ESA.
I have looked at this on the gov web site but I cannot for the life of me work out which one to claim for.  The sticking point is where it says you must have paid NI contributions for 2 years.  She has not paid into the system.  
She will probably never work, or if she does it would be voluntary.  She is currently still at school and we hope will move onto Residential College to learn to live more independently. 
Can someone advise please?
Many thanks in advance

Comments

  • woodbine
    woodbine Community member Posts: 11,519 Disability Gamechanger
    As she hasn't left school she of course won't have made the necessary N.I cont. When she leaves school she should be able to claim UC
    2024 The year of the general election...the time for change is coming 💡

  • calcotti
    calcotti Community member Posts: 10,010 Disability Gamechanger
    edited October 2021
    kitty25 said:
    I have looked at this on the gov web site but I cannot for the life of me work out which one to claim for.  
    The only ESA available for new claims is new style ESA. However, she is not eligible to receive new style ESA because, as you say, she has not paid the required NI contributions.

    If she were to claim another benefit it would be Universal Credit, but she cannot claim this while she is at school unless she is first assessed as having Limited Capability for Work.  

    Are you receiving any benefits for her (Child Benefit, Child Tax Credits, child element of UC)?
    Information I post is for England unless otherwise stated. Rules may be different in other parts of UK.
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 53,333 Disability Gamechanger
    edited October 2021
    kitty25 said:
    Hello
    My daughter is 18 and has severe learning difficulties and CP.   She is in receipt of PIP and I have been advised by a friend that she can also claim for ESA.
    I have looked at this on the gov web site but I cannot for the life of me work out which one to claim for.  The sticking point is where it says you must have paid NI contributions for 2 years.  She has not paid into the system.  
    She will probably never work, or if she does it would be voluntary.  She is currently still at school and we hope will move onto Residential College to learn to live more independently. 
    Can someone advise please?
    Many thanks in advance

    If she still lives at home with you then she will not be able to claim UC as a student. Do you not claim child benefit and child tax credits/child element of UC for her?

    I would appreciate it if members wouldn't tag me please. I have all notifcations turned off and wouldn't want a member thinking i'm being rude by not replying.
    If i see a question that i know the answer to i will try my best to help.
  • kitty25
    kitty25 Community member Posts: 4 Connected
    Thank you everyone. One of the reasons we were advised to apply for or ESA for her was in case she needs Legal Aid. This may be needed if we need to go to tribunal to fight for a placement at residential College I will have a look at the criteria for legal aid again.
    Thank you so much for clearing that up for me.
  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Community member Posts: 53,333 Disability Gamechanger
    LInk here for legal aid. https://www.gov.uk/legal-aid/eligibility If you're claiming Child benefit and tax credits for her they both can continue until her 20th birthday if she remains in full time non advanced education.
    If you're claiming child element of UC for her then this can continue until 1st September following their 19th birthday. She's still classed as a dependent young person until those stop.
    I would appreciate it if members wouldn't tag me please. I have all notifcations turned off and wouldn't want a member thinking i'm being rude by not replying.
    If i see a question that i know the answer to i will try my best to help.
  • kitty25
    kitty25 Community member Posts: 4 Connected
    Thank you so much for your help x

Brightness

Do you need advice on your energy costs?


Scope’s Disability Energy Support service is open to any disabled household in England or Wales in which one or more disabled people live. You can get free advice from an expert adviser on managing energy debt, switching tariffs, contacting your supplier and more. Find out more information by visiting our
Disability Energy Support webpage.