As far as I know the Probation Service don't take account of any benefits are on - they just assess you based on your current circumstances and your ability to carry out various placements. The criteria for ESA and their criteria don't overlap in a reliable way, bearing in mind ESA covers unemployed, employed and self employed people.
Thank you I am still waiting for the letter to tell me where I have to go .Good luck. You can get through this. X