Disability

[Fibrochris]

Does anybody know if fibromyalgia is classed as A disability?please help😥

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee]

Fibromyalgia does not automatically equal a disability. There are less than 5 conditions that are in this category. Fibromyalgia is listed in the guidance notes produced with the equality act 2010. It was cited as a condition that can cause someone to be disabled,

There are people with fibro that are not disabled, those that do not consider themselves disabled and those that are disabled by it. Also, disability is one word that is perceived differently depending on its context. DWP and benefits is one, within employment it is another and about getting reasonable adjustments. Within HCP's it is another "meaning" as they are looking to make you more able or able to deal with your current level of ability.

Recent debates in parliament were symbolic at a committee stage but great for awareness. Meetings with ministers have that FMA UK were not part of have resulted in no content that we have been privy to or actions from it. We have been part of many lobby groups in the realm of the DWP and benefits about making changeable conditions like fibromyalgia be treated better. However, the elephant in the room that is Brexit is dominating all the legislative agenda with things like this being another casualty

There is much work ahead on all 3 fronts of benefits, HCPs and employment but one positive is that our new employment booklet will help with the last area.

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If you apply and get PIP that is a disability benefit and I would assume you are registered with DWP as disabled, maybe ask on their websight. It can get you a blue badge also thats another area for disabled.

[Cathjamesandmatt20]

I would say it is classed as a disability yes. First of all yes there are different levels and everyone suffers to different degrees, but it’s still a disability. I have this and disk disease. Which again is classed as a disability but I might suffer more than the next person, and vice versa. When applying for benefits such as PIP, they don’t really care about your diagnosis. They care about how your disabilities or conditions affect YOU personally. Then it’s down to them to decide what help you’re entitled to. Disability doesn’t always mean you’re totally disabled, it means you have something that you suffer with 😊