Heard lupus is classed a disability???

My friend at the council has told me that lupus is been classed an disability. To be fair I've not heard anything about it so not sure if it's correct? Has anyone been made aware of this lately?

[maggielee]

Hi yes it is true, as it is a chronic illness, it depends on the severity of the illness & impact on your life that will class it as a disability & eligibility for support or benefits (I understand this can be difficult to qualify) If you are working it can be taken into consideration in the workplace, I.e. adjustments, time off, etc. Lupus UK have helpful information for you & your employer if you need further details.. Currently, my hours are temporarily reduced at work in order for me to phase back full-time (hopefully) sooner than later or at all. ML ☺

PS assuming you live in the UK

[Hidden]

My understanding is that any confirmed chronic illness can be classed as a disability if it disables you? If yours is well managed then it would not make you disabled just because you have Lupus. At least this is how it used to be explained when I was previously misdiagnosed with RA. It’s all about how it impacts on your life and independence I believe.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Hidden ,

Most people with lupus will certainly be able to demonstrate that they meet the definition of disabled according to the Equality Act 2010. The definition is;

"A person who has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term effect on his/her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities".

The element of this definition that some may not satisfy is whether the effect is 'substantial'. Importantly, whether an effect is considered substantial is done so ignoring the effects of any medication or treatment, it also takes into account such things as time taken to carry out an activity, the way in which it is carried out; environmental factors etc.

[Hidden in reply to Paul_Howard]

Hi Paul is that thw pip assessment whivh I didn't paas but I can only work part time to manage my condition then I need time off as well who do I speak with? Thanks

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Hidden]

Hi Hidden . I'm afraid I'm not very clear about what you are asking? If you feel that the decision to not award PIP was incorrect then you should appeal. If this decision was over a month ago then you will most likely need to reapply again. I'd recommend getting expert assistance with your claim from the Welfare Rights Adviser at your local council or your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

[Buffy14 in reply to Paul_Howard]

What do you mean by whether an effect is considered substantial is done so ignoring the effects of any medication or treatment ? Excuse my ignorance .

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Buffy14]

Hi Buffy14 ,

It means that if you take medication and that improves your condition and reduces the impact of certain symptoms, this definition would not take into account the improvement by medication and would consider your condition without it instead.

[Buffy14 in reply to Paul_Howard]

Well that's good but I can guarantee that the dwp would claim you are fit for work if your condition is well controlled by medication how many people have had assessment and been told you look well you are fit for work . At mine they didn't even mention the fact that I am on immunosuppressant medication with unpleasant side effects or that I have chronic kidney disease they said I looked well on the day and that's what they based the zero points on .

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Buffy14]

Hi Buffy14 ,

This is the definition of a disability according to the Equality Act 2010 and not the criteria for claiming benefits which are something else entirely.

[Jpabon]

Yes it is, it just depends how bad is your lupus

[Buffy14]

If you look at employment law and what counts as a disability SLE is mentioned but if you read further from what I remember it's usually SLE with organ involvement and need to be immunosuppressed , I could be wrong though .