Hi, I have only recently been diagnosed and I was talking to some other people with chronic illnesses like this and they have certain entitlements like a card to allow them to go to the staff toilet in shops and such. Is there anything that those of us with Fibro are entitled to? I'm not to worried about money and I work full time (though i massively struggle) and my brain doesn't understand benefits in the slightest. I was just wondering like parking permits etc.
Thanks
Hi,
As far as I am aware fibromyalgia does not automatically entitle us to anything.
You could apply to your local council for a blue badge, but you may need a letter from your GP confirming you have mobility problems (if you do have any) and you may have to go for an assessment as well.
If you're assessed for PIP, awarded 12+ points for the mobility component, you can apply for a Blue Badge from your local Council for extra parking options, and free public transport. I once tried asking a shop if I could use their toilet facilities but was refused. I gather it's something to do with liability insurance.
A condition on its own does not automatically give entitlement to benefits or a blue badge. With all conditions there are greatly varying degrees on how they affect you. My advice would be to keep a diary of how your condition affects you. What help you need and for how long. What distances you can walk safely and without pain. What activities make the pain worse. How many good and bad days you have. All this information will help you if you claim PIP or ESA. There are self assessment pages on the UK/Gov website which will give you a better idea of what you could claim points for.
Hi
Some Health conditions do enable you to apply for a card to allow you private facilities in shops ,
The ones I am aware of is people with colostomy bags ,Bowel or bladder illnesses and Autism you apply through thier Charites and work places allow you at thier discretion but most are ok
Thanks for that, I do seem to be out of touch with this stuff I can't keep up. 
I only got 4 points for mobility but council still gave me a blue badge and bus pass. Always worth trying, they can only say no!
Maybe ask Desquinn for contact with Janet on here she is a very good advisor on benefit applying,form filling and what not to say
Try completing the Benefits Calculator and at the end it will tell you whether there is anything you could try claiming:
are we allowed to use wheelchairs?
What help, support and benefits am I entitled to?
We are all stronger than we think
We are alive !!!!!!!!!
ARE WE ALL "JUNKIES"
