Living with severe asthma

[ccccc]

Hi everyone

I was diagnosed with severe asthma a few years ago (had asthma since I was a toddler, now in my mid 30s), had to give up work and been living with my parents on the ESA support element of Universal Credit. I was thinking about going back to work before my latest downturn in my asthma, maybe just part-time to see how I coped.

My parents are thinking of moving and as lovely as they are I'm thinking of getting my own place to get some more independence. I am a bit worried though as to how I would cope on my own as my Dad helps out with things when I am really ill, and also thinking about how to manage the financial side of things. Although I claim ESA as part of Universal credit it was a nightmare getting my claim through and even though I've considered applying for PIP I just want to stay away from the DWP as much as possible! Before I was given ESA I was referred to an agency called Ingeus who kept trying to send me for jobs in warehouses and other roles I'd told them I physically couldn't do. Also does anyone work part-time and receive ESA? I feel like I'm wasting away stuck at home sometimes.

[Denae011]

Hi there. I too have severe asthma. I’m on maximum treatment at the min. Injections. Steroids. Inhalers. Nebuliser maintainence antibiotics etc. I work part time in nhs. I also get pip. U should apply you have nothing to lose by doing so you will probably get awarded pip. Just send all your drs evidence in with your claim.

[ccccc in reply to Denae011]

Hi Denae, thanks for the reply, so the fact that you work doesn't count against you in the PIP assessment? You're maybe like me and have good days and bad days with this and the DWP tend to take "a good day" as being every day!

[Denae011 in reply to ccccc]

Hi pip is an in work benefit as well. It’s supposed to help you get to work etc. I made sure I worded all the questions correctly and at assessment just stuck to the answers I had given. I took drs letters with me. I kept a copy of all the answers I had given on the form as well. U should get cab or welfare rights to help u with form if you can.

[ccccc in reply to Denae011]

thanks Denae I'm going to apply today, thank you.

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador in reply to ccccc]

Definitely contact CAB for help filling out the form! It really sucks filling it out cause you literally have to spell out how much your life is impacted by your asthma... 😞. I have applied (April time) but haven’t heard anything yet which doesn’t surprise me with the current situation...

[ccccc in reply to EmmaF91]

I will the form-filling is a pain as there's often not a clear answer you can give, but I will get some help with it, hope you hear something soon.