Claiming ESA and PIP diagnosed with Aspergers

Has anyone diganosed with Autism or Aspergers been sucessful in their claim with ESA or PIP? I claimed PIP but I wasn't sucessful I am going through the appeal process. 

I have since found too, I could quite possibly be entiled to ESA as how much my aspergers impacts my life in so many ways going back as far as pre-school. 

Does anyone have any experiences advice or pointers that they could give me. I have read online there is a certain group you have to go to if you claim ESA can the DWP do that with someone with aspergers Syndrome is claiming? As part of their disablity is socializing, change, things out of the blue and coping with life outside of the house. 

Thank you.

  • I was baptised as protestant, but I'm not religious at all. I don't mind anyone that is, as long as it's not pushed in my face. Most of my friends here are catholic and we get on the best

  • The vast majority of Catholics and the vast majority of Protestants get along fine with each other. It's always the 'Victim Class' and those with no life outside the run-down estates who cause trouble.

  • That's fascinating. You don't tend to hear of people moving to NI as a rule. And it's a shame they only show the bad things about a place. Typical new media.

  • it's actually nothing like what you see on the news, except certain areas, but the majority of the country is really nice. I'm from Accrington in Lancashire originally and moved here in 2004

  • Thanks, I didn't know about any of this Disappointed

  • ESA is short for Employment Support AllowanceIf you are ill or have a health condition or disability that limits your ability to work you can claim Employment and Support Allowance from the Department of Work and Pensions. 

    PIP is short for Personal Independence Payment. It is extra money you can claim to help you with everyday life if you've an illness, disability or mental health condition. PIP used to be called Disability Living Allowance.

  • What is it like living in Northern Ireland, Mick? I always think it must be terrifying living there with all the religious friction, fighting and violence you see reported on the news.

  • Yes, if your disability prevents you from working full or part time x

  • Hi Younglass,

    Yes. But, I was awarded PIP long before my autism diagnosis, which is a recent development. 

    I was diagnosed with
     cyclothymic disorder a while back, which is a rare mood disorder that causes: frequent mood swings, rapid fluctuations of emotions as well as panic disorder and agoraphobia. I'm on the award until 2023, at which time I will probably have to go for a review. It was quite easy to claim for me as I had the support of an advocate who specialised in mental illnesses. The PIP assessor was also extremely knowledgable in mental illness (which I believe is a  relatively rare occurrence). The claim took an eternity, however, I think somewhere around 8 months from beginning to end.

    After my diagnosis, I rang them to let them know that my situation has changed and sent off my report from the autism assessment centre. During the phone conversation, I was informed that my claim would have to be reviewed in the light of the new information and that it may stay the same, be increased or even terminated.  This review would take anywhere up to 10 weeks. I haven't thought about it since, but I guess they will write to me sooner or later with an update.

  • Reading with interest as I have submitted a PIP. Arguably I wouldn't need it if NHS Mental Health gave a s**t, but I can't get the care or support I need unless I pay for it.

  • My PIP is until January 2022, but I am awaiting an assessment over the phone.

  • hi and welcome I too am from NI as is

  • I live in Northern Ireland was diagnosed with ASD Aspergers in 2017, and claimed PIP. I was refused, and sent the letter back for a 2nd review. Again, refused. Had to go thru appeals court, which took a year to get a date and I won my claim, and granted PIP for 3 years. It ended on 16th January 2021 and I had to reclaim, which is still awaiting a decision. We aren't under DWP here. Here it is Department For Communities that deal with benefits. Hope to get good news soon

  • Even when they reassessed  the mobility component they still denied me . The reason, I,said I don't go out much and stick to a small area I know.  The reason for that difficulty making my way around in unfamiliar areas due to a poor sense of direction. Hence I meet the criteria but got denied anyway. The DWP is not known for its honesty.

  • Personally my goal is to get of the whole lot of them ( ESA and DLA ) for the distress the DWP cause for I am sure the DWP and their ' contractors ' are a cause of mental ill health.

    Oh and I got diagnosed with yet another ' syndrome ' today, ( POTS) to be thinking to not bother telling 'em about that one for yet more hassle I don't need.

  • I am a benefits specialist for Citizens Advice and the impacts of Aspergers most definitely mean entitlement to ESA & PIP in many cases.  The difficulty in my experience is that Aspergers seems to be viewed as either a learning difficulty or a mental disorder by assessors and this can result in the need to Appeal.  Another problem is that often people with Aspergers find their own strategies for coping - often with family support.  Since counselling/talking therapies and/or medications are often inappropriate or unhelpful, there is often no "supporting evidence" to send in with the claim.  It all really depends on being specific about your difficulties that relate to each descriptor.  It is worth going into detail about how things make you feel etc.  Take your time and write a daft first etc.  This can be very stressful in itself but well worth doing.  A "dairy" detailing the difficulties you face in a day or week becomes a legal document when you sign it and is worth including, also from anyone who knows you well or who helps you on a regular basis.  Take a look at what is required on Citizens Advice public site (or others!) and seek advice if needed.  Representing a client with Aspergers at a PIP Tribunal tomorrow.  Wish us luck and best wishes to you.

  • I am a benefits specialist at Citizens Advice and the difficulties faced by those with Aspergers most definitely fit the descriptors for both PIP & ESA in many cases.  The main difficulty in my experience is the assessors failure to understand that Aspergers is not a learning disability nor mental disorder. Often people find their own strategies for coping (often with family support), no medication is prescribed and often counselling/therapy etc is not appropriate or helpful.  This can result in a lack of "supporting evidence" and depends on the individual with Aspergers to accurately and effectively communicate the difficulties they face.  Some people are able to do this -some can't.  I would suggest that individuals get assistance with their claim from Citizens Advice or an autism support agency.  It can be done otherwise but this may involve going to appeal.  I am attending a PIP Tribunal tomorrow with a client. Wish us luck!

  • I am currently claiming ESA and going through PIP- Awaiting for my Assessment (Which I am SO stressed about).  My Support worker is helping me with my PIP Assessment and she sent my form off.  She said if I dont get it first time keep on going on and appealing as many times. 

  • Contact if you already haven’t you local Citizens Advice Bureau or Law clinic.