I have had to take today off work as the pain is quite bad today. I knew I needed to rest up yesterday on my day off but as housework needed doing I pushed on and today I’m suffering from pushing myself and not listening to my body.
My work know I have Fibro but I always feel this sense of guilt and shame for being ill.
I’ve cut my hours down from full time to 4 days but know I may need to cut more hours. Can I apply for PIP even though I’m working. I’m just so tired today I hope this makes sense.
sending healing love and hugs to all those who need it today.
xxx
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RosieRobin
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Hi there, I have just answered a similar question. My answer was yes. Anyone can apply for PIP If they have an health problem. PIP will be awarded if you meet the PIP criteria.
It does not matter what illness you have. It's how it effects you on a daily basis. And yes people who work have also been awarded the benifit.
If you need to talk with someone from our benifits help team please check out the link below.
Sorry you’re not feeling great. Seems like a lifetime ago it all started and changed my life completely. From quitting my business, then having to quit a little part time job to not being able to work at all. You have my sympathy, but never feel guilty for what you’re going through. You have to take care of yourself now. I don’t want to go through the whole PIP thing, because it’s a nightmare and you’ll no doubt find lots of good advice on here to help you through it. Sorry, I’m suffering today. One thing I just wanted to mention, because it can take a little while to come through, is to ask for a copy of your medical history going back to when you first began getting symptoms. Start putting a file together containing all your correspondence with doctors and hospital appointments, even phone calls. And think of it like job, something that has to be done. Disassociate yourself emotionally from the process. Unless things have changed, you’ll probably have to apply, do the compulsory re application, then go on to finally contesting the whole thing. It’s a long drawn out battle you think you’re never going to win, but you can. I have to say I don’t envy you going through the process, it’s soul destroying and for me personally, because I did let it affect me emotionally, it made my condition worse. Sorry if this sounds negative, but pre warned should put you in good stead. Stay strong and I genuinely wish you all the best. It gets me uptight just thinking about it. Remember, it’s a task, NO EMOTION. Good luck RosieRobin.
Yes you can I used to work 45 hours a week and still got pip. I unfortunately had to finish work last year as i was quite poorly the company I worked for were not understanding and in the end horrible to me. Hope your feeling much better soon xx
Yes you can. PIP is not a means tested benefit, so anyone eligible can apply, regardless of their employment status. Well, until retirement age; if you are not in receipt of PIP by the time you reach retirement age, you can't apply for it. You would then have to apply for attendance allowance. However, as I understand it, if you are in receipt of PIP at retirement age, you keep on receiving it.
Hey there, go for it, working or not. I work 2 or 3 days per week and got the standard allowance. You need to impress on them that you pace yourself and rest when you can. I tend to work two days then rest one and then I have a day just pottering about. Can't manage 3 days in a row if it's work or housework, something has to give. Take care x
Thank you so much for your message yes I’m finding 3 days in a row is very difficult now and I feel exhausted on the 3rd day I had a works conference last week and I don’t think I predicted how much energy I would need getting there with travel etc it was a very long day and I think this flare has happened because of that and working straight after so that’s why my body has just shut down. Anyway thanks again so lovely to hear from people who understand and just get what I’m talking about. Xx
Please don't feel guilty, you have done the right thing. Fibromyalgia is so very unpredictable therefore you just don't know when it's going to stop you. I too worked with fibromyalgia for over 20 years and didn't always listen to my body and push it too hard so at weekend I use to die. My Energy levels were all over the place.
You are doing great by still working and struggling with this horrible situation. You are the brave one . There's always emotion around pain and low energy levels. By listening to your body you are almost there to get back to work. Rest up and stop worrying about something that you can not change. If your body requires rest, that's what's you need to do whenever you can. Take care, understanding your needs come first. Big hugs. Xxx
Thank you so much for your kind words it’s a struggle some days and other days can be great and I forget I have it for a short time then it hits like it has now and I feel I’m back to square one again. I’m so glad we have this forum to chat on as I feel not many people can understand it and it’s a comfort to be able to talk and get advice on here. Big hugs back to you xx
Hi Rosie, I to are in the position where I now have to give my job up. I use to do 23 hours, eventually dropping to 10, over the years. I just can't struggle on any more, it's soul destroying because I love my job. My company have tried to support me, but it's just the constant repetitiveness that keeps me flaring up. I applied for pip, found it a long process, but was happy to say I got standard daily living. So try for it, I didn't think I would get through the application with anxiety, which was difficult, but if I didn't push myself I would never have been awarded it. Best of luck, and don't feel guilty of not working, we've tried 😘
Hi RosieRobin, there is no shame in being ill and unable to work. I don't work. I cannot imagine how on earth anyone with fibromyalgia can also get up in the morning and go out to work. Some days I can't even get dressed!I know fibro can fluctuate but if we push ourselves to do stuff it can trigger flares and can make us very ill, so no guilt for trying to take care of yourself. Our bodies need a lot of rest. Take care xx
I'm going through the exact same thing at the moment, I'm struggling to work with my pain, I have also reduced my hours and applied for pip which I'm currently trying to get my head around! the last time I was off work I was off for 3 weeks and even getting out of bed was a struggle! I'm back at work now but still struggling to work for more than 5- 6 hrs at a time! Recently had my medication changed and going to start taking supplements, Im hoping they help me stay in work and not be off again! I have also increased my yoga and hoping this will help.Good luck I completely understand your struggle.
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