Good news week! PHI / PIP / LCWRA

13 months ago I first joined this group when I was in a really, horribly difficult situation, finding it impossible to sleep or concentrate in work, under huge amounts of pressure and with no clear path in sight, no idea where to turn. Ive been penniless for months, taking advantage of mortgage breaks from covid, selling my car an anything else which is disposable to pa for kids/bills. Living on stew!

I haven't been able to make it back to work, and in hindsight am very glad that I didnt go back and damage my health further. I'll always be thankful for advice I received here about that. The past year has been spent learning to cope with this condition, but also having the time to research as much as possible. Its also been a battle, keeping up with medical appointments through the lockdown but at last I have no outstanding appointments. I have been fortunate to have health cover through work and found a good Rheumatologist, he gave some excellent referals and in my follow up appointment, wrote a great letter outlining the condition and how it affects me.

So 13 months after applying for PIP, and 7 months after my PHI Income insurance at work should have started paying.. on Monday I had £6 left for the week

I had my PIP appeal on Tuesday.. and immediately after had a call from HR saying my PHI was approved and they would backpay 7 months. This morning I had a letter from the tribunal and they awarded higher for daily living and lower for mobility.. to be reviewed in 3 yrs. Also a message from UC to confirm LCWRA inbetween. i'm made up!!

If there are two pieces of advice I would give they would be; be prepared for a long ride and dont give up. Find a good rheumatologist, I paid for some of my consultations and even though I didnt have the money, consider it the soundest investment.

Anyway I thought id share my joy, and hope it gives hope. If theres anyone in the same situation: struggling at work with ill health and unsure where to turn or how to navigate everything.. i'd be always be happy to help

[Dizzytwo]

That's wonderful news. Hopefully been relieved of so much stress will help you cope better with your health issues 😊

[rosewine]

Wonderful news so pleased for you. At least you will be able to relax for the next few years and concentrate on being the best healthwise that you can be.x

[Hazel_Angelstar Administrator FMA UK Staff]

Great news, and hopefully now you have less stress to deal with financially, it will benefit your health too x

[Narwhal10]

Brilliant news, thrilled for you.

[Crossstitch1]

That's brilliant news....hope the stress eases for you now.

[PAULINE15]

That’s good to hear.... I’ve been struggling in work for a few years and was looking forward to retiring this May, I work in retail and in Wales we have had several lockdowns and just before the first lockdown I had a hysterectomy, so all in all it has helped me to be on furlough I’ve been able to work shorter and less days when we’ve been trading and it doesn’t look like I’m going to be back in work much before I retire, I’m definitely better without the full time work, also in feb after reapplying for pip I got standard for both for ten years, so yes never give up I was ready to but got grate encouragement from others going through the same. X

[Hidden]

Great news and such a relief for you.

[Bar123ney]

That’s great news so happy you have eventually got what you have a right to. I’ve just joined this group and I was just diagnosed in feb this year. There are days I’m so exhausted. I’m on Amitriptylene and Tramsdol for pain. I’m not sure where to turn to for advice. I need to hear from people who understand.

[EnglishRose63]

Hi can I possibly message you please? xx

[Hidden]

I'm at the beginning of this journey. I don't know ow what to do. Been off work since October 2021 but felt unwell for the last 2 years really. Few doctors fobbed me off but I persisted and they now say fibromyalgia and am waiting to see a rheumatologist. They say April for this. My full sick pay just ran out so I'm on ssp. I applied for lcwra after seeing something about it online. I don't think I did myself justice on the form as my brain fog is horrendous. I'm declari g bankruptcy next week as I'm riddled with debts, loan credit cards I can no longer pay. I'm lost in limbo and noone understands. Any advice would be great. Xx