Uncertain if I am entitled to any benefits.

[Ellieellie]

I have got to the stage where I feel I can no longer cope with working and my RA. I would like to give up work. I had always thought I could retire at 60 but am like many other women caught in the new pension trap. I have worked since I was 18 with a couple of years off when my son was born.

I can't get my pension until I am 66 and need some income. My husband does work and is on a decent salary. I have the usual day to day difficulties experienced by many. I work as a part time estate agent. I use a keyboard a lot and my hands become swollen and sore and inflamed and am constantly tired and can no longer give my best.

I don't know if I can claim any benefits and the system is not set up to help people like me. I have some forms to see if I have any claim but if I answer them truthfully it sounds as if there is nothing wrong with me which is definitely not the case. My feet are sore, my right foot leaning over causing difficulty walking at times. Protruding nodules on wrist. Fatigue, stiffness, difficulty lifting things etc.

Any advice would be great.

[medway-lady]

Some benefits are means tested some not, so it would be best to look up the direct.gov website or go to the cab for advice. I worked in benefits for many many years and my advice is be truthful and apply, you can appeal if not successful. Also I believe the NRAS has information available. But do you not qualify for early retirement to release you current employment pension. Thats what I did.

[popsmith1874 in reply to medway-lady]

Hi I done the same and it's the best thing I did, after my last day I could feel the stress just lifting and I believe it's helped my condition RA,OA and angina .Try for everything you can and tell them how you are on your worst day that's why we pay our taxes and ni good luck xxx

[craigsif]

Please apply for PIPs I think you will find you are entitled to this.

[Hidden]

Hi Ellieellie,

As Medway-lady suggested NRAS does have publications available to help you understand what you may be entitled to and how to make an application. I have attached links below if you would like to take a look.

nras.org.uk/publications/be...

nras.org.uk/publications/ho...

We also have a publication called 'When an Employee has Rheumatoid Arthritis' which in the meantime, whilst you are still working may help your employer to make some reasonable adjustments to making working life more comfortable for you.

Best wishes,

Nikki- NRAS

[nomoreheels]

It's something I wrangled with myself & my h about I still wasn't sure if I even wanted to need any form of benefit or even wanted to be labelled as 'disabled' but a talk with my GP & the ever increasing gadgets I needed to help me remain as independent as I could be convinced me to try for PIP. It's the only benefit I know about personally, in fact it was the first time I'd applied for any kind of benefit but there may be others you could apply to your current position. I also thought am I really affected enough to warrant it but my h started writing down all the things I could & couldn't do & that was an eye opener so I applied on the basis of if I don't get anything at least I tried. We'd already made some basic adaptations, handles instead of door knobs, lever taps, things like that so changes to make thing easier for me were happening I just didn't think I would need a handout I think that was bothering me.

Eventually, once I received the application form (long story) I had a bit of a panic, but once I settled in to filling it in it & including additional notes it became obvious I had more problems than I realised. Anyway I was awarded it (enhanced daily care though no mobility (another long story!) & it's been really helpful. Once I learned of my award I also applied for a Blue Badge, the reason in part because I wouldn't automatically qualify not receiving the mobility component as I have difficulty walking distances.

Obviously I'm not sure if it would be enough for you to give up work but it may be a help & it's not means tested so wouldn't affect any income you may or would still have. Maybe as medway-lady had said a read through the info NRAS have produced would be helpful nras.org.uk/work-and-benefits or talk to your GP as I did if you see him/her much about your health related to RD.

Hope my experience helps, for PIP anyway, though there may be either help out there for you.

[EmmaS-NRAS NRAS]

Dear Ellieellie,

The benefits system can feel like a minefield but there is lots of help available for you. Others have suggested Citizens Advice and we would highly recommend speaking to them as they have lots of experience of helping people through the application process. There are a mixture of benefits available, some are means-tested but others are not and you can find out more on our website nras.org.uk/benefits we have two publications on benefits, one general one and one just on PIP (Personal Independent Payment). Do let us know if you would like a copy or consider speaking to the NRAS Helpline team on 0800 298 7650 (Mon-Fri, 9.30-4.30).

It is also worth noting that the majority of people with RA are covered under the Disability Act 2010 and that means your employer must make reasonable adjustments to your job, equipment or workplace to help . This could mean the provision of auxiliary aids to assist in an office environment e.g. ergonomic keyboard/mouse etc There is lots more information on our website and in our 'I want to work' publication -nras.org.uk/work We also have a publication for the employer to help them better understand the condition.

I hope the information above is helpful but if you need any further information, please do let us know.

Kind regards

Emma-NRAS

[Ellieellie in reply to EmmaS-NRAS]

Unfortunately my employer has never asked once what they can do to help me. I think it's a case of you look ok so you don't need help. They are a small family run company and I know their excuse would be that they can't afford it. I know after many years of working there that they don't care and you are there to make money for them.

[earthwitch]

I got lots of good advice and assistance from my local CAB disability welfare advisor. That would be my recommendation to start with. If you are wanting to keep on working and need assistance for that, then you could try the Access to Work scheme - they may have some ideas about what would help you cope with your work.

[moomie]

I have been in a similar situation. Thanks to great advice here. I applied for pip. Never applied for anything before. Well after lots of worry stress I did get the daily living component. I was so pleased. It is for 5 years and I am going to use it so I can reduce my hours at work. I also struggle. I would suggest too speaking to occupational health. My OT and physio said I really needed to see them. My Manager well it took months. Went last week. The letter did upset me a bit and make me feel like a real crock. But the outcome is now the manager's have to make reasonable adjustments and have it in black and white. Plus it states that I am covered by the disability act. Do look into things and speak to nras helpline