working with fibro

[Kazzza1976]

thanks so much for all of your replies. I have decided not to let this illness beat me completely. I am going to cut my hours down and go part time maybe 2 days a week. I have been worried about cutting my hours down on the financial side of things. But health is more important and I can only do what my body will let me and it’s not much atm. I will speak with fibro benefits on Monday and I am so glad I have a sympathetic wonderful manager who is a great manager and understands. I need to look in to applying for pip and some other benefits as well. Does anybody get pip for fibro ?

[SUZIEP66]

yes I do. PIP is about how your illness affects you on a daily basis. And as you know, it can be extremely debilitating to say the least

[Kazzza1976 in reply to SUZIEP66]

yes this illness is awful 😢 I’m thinking about going back 2 days a week but I will see exactly what I’m entitled to first and see it I will get help with my rent. Upsetting that it’s came to this as I’ve worked since I was 19 and now this but health comes first .we don’t get a break from the pain . Thanks for your reply

[Mystique23]

I get standard rate pip for care only when I applied last year and only until Dec 23.But then I was working 34hours plus a week and caring for 3 family members outwith work.

I am about to rock the boat as I am going to tell them about change of circumstances.

Now only 16 hours a week since Dec as all the caring had taken its toll on me and I needed to reduce so could sort my health out.

Then my brother died he was the one i spent most time with regards to care.

My fibro has been in major flare since Nov last year, all my medications have been altered or changed completely and my condition has definitely worsened and cannot do no where near as much as I used to. Grief has made it worse too.

I'm scared about rocking the boat regarding my pip incase they take it away completely, but I need to rock it incase I can get more financial support.

For me it was a big jump to half my work hours and lose half my pay too but I thought I would be entitled to universal credit but I'm not, I earn too much still even though its not enough to pay my bills let alone pay for food or fuel.

it's hard, but I know it's the way I have to go.

My small amount of savings (for my daughters wedding annd only £2000) is almost gone with having to top up my monthly outgoings by £300 each month. I have maybe 2 months left then it will be just my wage and my standard rate care pip.

Sorry if this sounds like a downer but that's how the situation is for me. Hopefully yours will be better. Fingers crossed.

Like you I do not want my condition to control me so I will do what I can to get back on top of it and throw the dice with regards to pip to see if things change for the better.

Hopefully they will and I hope you get all the Financial support you need.

Keep fighting and make sure that you are getting all your entitled to.

Good luck.

[Greyt in reply to Mystique23]

I do hope you are able to get an increase in benefits . It’s so worrying.

[Kazzza1976 in reply to Greyt]

Thankyou x

[Welshcatlady]

Yes I do, the standard rate for both care and mobility, but it depends on how it effects you. Each of us is different, but please tell them how you are on your worst days. Good luck.

[CM1EDSUK in reply to Welshcatlady]

Important to note that PIP is how you are on the majority of days, not just your 'worst' days. Just describing these could potentially be seen as benefit fraud.

[Dinkie]

I reduced my hours after an occupational health assessment and had reasonable adjustments put in place. My boss is great in that it's fine for me to work more hours in the summer if I can manage it but just do my contracted hours in the winter or when I'm not up to doing more. Might be something you can discuss with your employer. Have to say that the reasonable adjustments have enabled me to stay in work far longer than I imagined, and that in turn has helped with my mental health as I am sure not having the routine of work would not be ideal for me. Hopefully you will find that happy balance for you.

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

I am glad you are putting your health 1st and your work team been very supportive, I hope you get on okay with receiving any benefits, take care xx

[Kazzza1976 in reply to Yassytina]

Thankyou for your reply x