In the uk is fibromyalgia classed as an actual disability as I want to claim tax credits and if it is I might be able to get exemption

[dawnndell]

Of prescription charges and help with dental costs etc

[julieevh]

Sadly not

From the NHS website

Medical exemption (MedEx) certificates are issued on application to people who have:

•a permanent fistula (for example caecostomy, colostomy, laryngostomy or ileostomy) requiring an appliance or continuous surgical dressing

•a form of hypoadrenalism (for example Addison's disease) for which specific substitution therapy is needed

•diabetes insipidus or other forms of hypopituitarism

•diabetes mellitus, except where treatment is by diet alone

•hypoparathyroidism

•myasthenia gravis

•myxoedema (hypothyroidism requiring thyroid hormone replacement)

•epilepsy requiring continuous anticonvulsive therapy

•continuing physical disability that prevents the person from going out without help from another person. Temporary disabilities do not count even if they last for several months

You are also issued with a MedEx if you are undergoing treatment for cancer. This includes treatment for the effects of cancer or for the effects of cancer treatments.

More details about prescription costs on

nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcos...

There has been talk of reviewing this list but I don't think it is viewed as a priority by this government.

Julie xx

[SootyB]

Fibro is classed as a disability (provided it has affected you substantially and for over 12 months ... there are a few provisions - maybe take a look at this to clarify ... odi.dwp.gov.uk/docs/wor/new... ), but Julie is quite right in that there are very few chronic conditions that entitle you to medical exemption. Rightly or wrongly, fibro isn't one of them!

Sara xx

[cozreece]

Hi i was told by a local authorities worker thet you can only get DLA if Fibro causes another condition aswell (bowel/bladder/anything other than just fibro) TOTALLY STUPID IN MY OPPINION BUT THERE YA GO ;( X

[jekkstar]

ukfibromyalgia.com/support/...

This website has a few great articles and can give you great advice on Fibro and support

[michphil]

according to the DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION ACT 2010 it is a disability and I am sure that you should get tax credits if you are on long term sick with it . I only found this because I have a tribunal coming up and I am trying to find out as much as I can on the legal side of disabilities. Have a look on the website disability discrimination act 2010. Good luck ! it's c**p that none takes notice of what pain and disruption we go through each day .

Gentle hugs x