Lupus and benefit

[LouLamb]

Hi I have lupus and I am wondering if I would be entitled to any form of disability I'm only 16 . I was wondering about pip . As someone had mentioned it to me. I find it hard to get around because of the pain .

[babssara]

Hi LouLamb. I'm not going to be much help as I don't really know enough about entitlements. But, i'm sure someone does and you get some advice or tips.

Hope you are not in too much pain today.

Babs x

[LouLamb in reply to babssara]

Not to much pain today . Taken my 5 methortrate tablets today and 2 steroids . Steroids are working I am not in as much pain as normal.

That's what other people don't understand just because I'm not in a lot of pain doesn't mean the pain hasn't gone .

[babssara in reply to LouLamb]

Oh LouLamb, I totally understand where you are coming from. The problem is, to all your friends and family, there can't be anything wrong with you cos you look well. They are not going through what you are. You know, and we know, the symptoms, pain and frustration of this dreadful condition.

There is a really good explanation the link for you. You could print this off to show to your family and friends, it might help them to understand. If not, ask someone to go to your next hosp/GP appt. If the Dr explains it then it must be right, mustn't it?

I find the link for you of the "spoon theory. See what you think.

Take care. Stay well. Babs x

[LouLamb in reply to babssara]

Thanks X

[Rose54]

Hi Loulamb

As long as you are 16 you can claim first phone the claim line and give your personal details .Claim form will be sent in post .Read it carefully and it pays to keep a diary for 1 week about how your illness effects you and what help you need.

As much information as possible is required and keep a copy for your records ,You will be called into a face to face assessment information will be sent to DWP who will decide if you are eligible for PIP .Most are turned down you will then need to ask them to review their decision and if still tuned down lodge a appeal.

Good Luck

Rose

[LouLamb in reply to Rose54]

Thanks I'll have a look into it

[littleeffie]

Take a look on the benefits and work site .They do helpful guides ,for a small joining fee,that take you through the process of claiming PIP.I strongly suggest you look at them and get as much knowledge first before Phoning as anything and everything you say is taken into account in your assessment. Sometimes it's the way you word ,explain your difficulties that decides an award or not.Also you will only have four weeks to receive and return the form so having all the information first will stop you feeling rushed to get form filled in and getting supporting evidence from gp and consultants.

Hope that helps and good luck.

[Diagnosed2012]

Have a chat with your local Citizens Advice Bureau

[LouLamb in reply to Diagnosed2012]

I'm gonna in a few weeks

[misty14]

Hi loulamb

When you get the PIP forms ring the Citizens Advice Bureau who will make an appointment to help you fill them in. They have to be done in a certain way to maximise success chances. Not everyone is called for an assessment by the DWP and to claim you must have been ill for 3-6 months. Good luck, let us know how you get on. X

[Maureenpearl]

Hi Loulamb

You can also get in touch with the Welfare Rights Officer to help you fill in the forms (get in touch with your local council office for their number).

Have you got a social worker? if you have they will also fill the form in for you and because you are 16 you could get your parents to ring the social services department or you GP to arrange for a social worker from the disability team to visit you.

Hope this is of some help xx

[LouLamb in reply to Maureenpearl]

Thanks

[flow4]

Hi Lou. Because you're over 16, you can claim for PIP in your own right, rather than your parents claiming for you. Whether you qualify depends on how you function - that is, what you can't do and/or struggle with - rather than your condition or diagnosis. The thresholds are specific and quite high, so you get help if you struggle to get dressed or washed by yourself, or need help to cook or eat, or can't walk more that 50m without pain/difficulty... But you won't necessarily qualify if you struggle with other things like shopping or getting to school/college... And no-one qualifies 'just because' they have a particular condition, unless they are terminally ill; so everyone has to prove how their condition affects them practically.

It's important to get some advice before you apply. Try one/more of these:

- Your social worker if you have one

- The Benefits and Work website

- Citizens Advice (you can book a face-to-face appointment or talk over the phone)

- The Benefits Advice team at your local council if that still exists (most have been closed down).

Good luck!