Reducing hours in work due to asthma

[Keithr24]

Hi Folks. Having had a serious flare up in January I made it back to work part time at end of June. It looks like full time work is now no longer an option, and the suhhestion has been made from the respiratory team i look at reducing hrs so I stand a chance of being able tonwork longer in the long run, and to give me back some quality of life. Having libed until 2years ago with myself in control of my asthma until recently. Life is in a turmoil.

My question is has anyone else out there had to do this, and if so what other benefits etc habe they managed to get and anything i need to consider. Thanks in advance

[emmasue]

Hi, I'm not sure my situation is quite the same, but I'm struggling with this. In March, I was in hospital with the flu for a week. It took me awhile to recover. I'm self employed and while my client was understanding, he eventually found someone else and I stopped working at the end of May. At the same time, my husband of 18 years moved out in April. We have two children, both with Autism. They are older (12 and 10) but still require support. Then in May, I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnoea and told that I wasn't allowed to drive until they were sure I was taking to the CPAP machine. That was the biggest blow. It meant that I had to rely on buses, walking and my husband's good will to get me and the kids where we needed to be.

As for benefits, I had to apply for Universal Credit. Each area is different. Some are still on the old , income support, system, some on the new Universal Credit system. In a way, I find Universal Credit easier, but it is more difficult because I am self employed. They calculate how much they think you should earn in a month and take that as your income, regardless of whether you are earning anything. This means that I "theoretically" earn too much to apply for a reduced rate bus pass for my son's schooling and free school meals for both kids. This is even though I am not earning. My advisor says I need to see the GP and ask for a fit note to detail how much work I should be able to do each month. They will then change my minimum income floor so hopefully I should be okay when it gets sorted.

In your case, it might be a good idea to get a fit note from your GP. You can take it to your employer. If your employer has a problem, then they have to explain why they can't deal with your change in circumstances. If they are find with it or not, depending on your income, I would apply for Universal Credit or income support to see if you can be supported in any way. Another thing that you can do is contact your energy supplier and get yourself on a priority list for if there is a blackout or something. With your health condition, you should be eligible. The government also do a warm home discount scheme for those on low income. I don't really know what your income is like, but if you do find yourself struggling, there is help out there. You could also go to Citizens Advice to see what you are eligible for. Take care and I hope you work your way through this smoothly. x

[WheezyAnne]

I was medically retired five years ago, due to long-term lung damage from chest infections and Asthma. Workwise, your work people need to find out what adjustments they can make to help you continue in work, and an Occupational Health Assessment through the HR dept may be carried out. May I recommend you speak to the Asthma UK helpline, as they may have a benefits adviser, otherwise I know the British Lung Foundation does have a benefits adviser. I am sorry, I don't know the telephone numbers. The forms for claiming any benefits are really complicated, and it is best to get help. There is a website called benefitsandwork.co.uk which most people find very helpful.

[Keithr24 in reply to WheezyAnne]

Thanks for the advice. Eork could not be better in trying to accommdate me with hrs and location, however it appears the reality of full time is not going to happen so need to try and reduce so i can hopefully work longer. Will follow up on the other suggestions.

[WheezyAnne in reply to Keithr24]

I wish you all the best and if I can help at all, just send a message.

[omahjoa]

Hi Keith. I am now having to look at medical retirement as I just cannot work any more. I get so exhausted I have been coming home and doing nothing then sleeping all weekend just so I can go back to work. With the stress my manager was also putting on me with comments like. " I know what I would do" I decided I needed to think about the impact on my long term health. I have a chronic illness called churg Strauss that affects my sinuses and gives me asthma. I have started a claim for disability as well. I decided life is to short to be stressed by work. Hopefully if a new specialist can change my meds things will improve and I might be able to work part time again but for now this is the road I am travelling. Hope you make the right decision for you xx