hi can anyone help? only known i have COPD stage 2 , since dec 2013, can i get any benefits to help me not working now, since jan

[sal58]

[Toci]

If you are too ill to work you can put in a claim for Employment Support Allowance (ESA). If your illness affects your ability to undertake day-to-day tasks you may qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

[Sohara]

Hi Sal...I think it will depend on how badly affected you are by your COPD....being stage 2 on its own, would not entitle you to any benefits I should not think, as its only at 'mild' stage ..but then I have no idea about benefits etc. so that's just my 'guess'....I myself still go to work ( part time) and I am severe COPD stage 3...I am sure I would not qualify for any benefits....even though I have had broch since a baby ( loooooong time ago) and my health is pretty poor right now

Does your COPD affect your ability to work?

[Toci in reply to Sohara]

Stage 2 COPD is moderate, not mild.

[sal58]

thanks guys i am silly i have severe,not mod, i get breathless walking going up stairs, doing the housework, had two chest infection since dec x

[Toci in reply to sal58]

Stage 2 is not classed as severe, sal. You seem a little unclear? Perhaps you need to check back with your doctors.

"In GOLD COPD, classifications are then used to describe the severity of the obstruction or airflow limitation. The worse a person's airflow limitation is, the lower their FEV1. As COPD progresses, FEV1 tends to decline. GOLD COPD staging uses four categories of severity for COPD, based on the value of FEV1:

Stage I Mild COPD FEV1/FVC<0.70 FEV1≥ 80% normal

Stage II Moderate COPD FEV1/FVC<0.70 FEV1 50-79% normal

Stage III Severe COPD FEV1/FVC<0.70 FEV1 30-49% normal

Stage IV Very Severe COPD FEV1/FVC<0.70 FEV1 <30% normal, or <50% normal with chronic respiratory failure present*

* Usually, this means requiring long-term oxygen therapy."

webmd.com/lung/copd/gold-cr...

[sal58 in reply to Toci]

i typed the wrong number this is me Stage III Severe COPD FEV1/FVC<0.70 FEV1 30-49% normal mine is 39%

[Toci in reply to sal58]

Then it will be as Sohara explained. Many of us work until much further on. Like Initial, I was diagnosed at the very severe stage and immediately put on oxygen but could continue working for a few more years. Others seem to struggle more at an earlier stage. We are all different. You say you are normally 39% FEV1 but were diagnosed just two or three months ago and have had two chest infections in that time so it would be really difficult for you to track your progress. As I said earlier, if the condition impacts on your ability to manage day-to-day tasks or to undertake employment then you should certainly make a claim for benefits.

[initial]

I wasn't diagnosed until very severe, so I cannot answer your question, but copd affects us all differently. I was clueless about benefits too, but if it's preventing you from working, then apply for ESA and PIP. gov.uk/employment-support-a...

[Hidden]

Hello sal58 call the helpline on 03000 030 555 they have the information without sharing personal details on an open forum. Expert advice understanding stage of condition with affects on living.

[katieoxo60]

Hi Sal 58, as said afraid diagnosis of COPD doesn't automatically entitle you to benefits., it's how much it disables you in respect of daily living activities. However you may qualify for some elements of pip or be found to be unable to work so entitled to other benefits.Tip, for benefits you need to emphasise you disability/illness. For work you need to emphasise your abilities. Claim for anything you maybe entitled to including rate & rent rebates. Your local job center should be able to help or CAB or council benefit department if you have one. For those over 50 Age Uk can do a benefits check for you. On line there is a benefits calculator if you don't mind giving details on line.Hope some of this is helpful, motto is if in doubt claim. Don't delay or you may loose entitlement.Best wishes and good luck

[solowheelie]

you can potentially get Employment support allowance and possibly the new PIP if you are being unable to do 'normal' everyday things - although you will need to have been ill for 3months +. You can claim both benefits at the same time

[teaky-19]

i am end stage copd & pulmonary fibrosis given 6 moths to live 4 months ago only started getting dla care and mobility both highest rate also esa and disability premiums only started getting them 4 months ago.it will depend how bad your symptons are

[Sohara]

Teaky I am glad they are helping you now. Let's hope you prove the doctors wrong. Loads on here get told an amount of time & they blow that out of the water by living yrs longer

All my love & best wishes go to you x x