Claiming money

[sallym123]

Is there a way I can claim anything if I'm under a rheuatologist but still waiting on a diagnosis. He has said it's arthritis but not sure which type. I'm having 2 keep going 2 doctors 4 a medical certificate 2 send 2 esa all the time. Can any1 help?😊

[helixhelix]

You do have a diagnosis of arthritis...and if you have that written in a letter from the consultant then that's a good starting point.

With many diseases it's not the disease itself that makes you eligible for things like PIP but how the disease affects you. So yes I have a confirmed diagnosis of RA but there is no way I would be able to claim as I am not sufficiently disabled by it.

The difficulty you probably face is that until you have had further progress with consultant you won't be able to be sure whether this is just temporary or not.

I suggest you start to look at the PIP process. Here's a useful link to get you started.

c-app.org.uk

[sallym123 in reply to helixhelix]

Thank u. The extra journeys 2 constantly get a medical certificate isn't helping me

[AgedCrone]

Concentrate on getting your condition under control, & maybe then if you are diagnosed with a condition that dramatically affects your quality of life you could investigate if there is some sort of help available.

Cash Benefits are only available if something like Rheumatoid Disease is considered so disabling you need to spend more money to continue your usual standard of living....ie you need help with every day tasks that you can no longer perform & would have to pay someone to do them for you.

Having to to keep going to your doctor for medical certificates may be inconvenient, but I doubt if it would qualify for any Benefits.

[Hidden]

I don't know what your symptoms are Sally or how bad but NRAS helpline were really good when I rang and also do v good booklet on PIP. Good luck.

[sallym123 in reply to Hidden]

Thank u. Will try them.

[sallym123]

I've noticed I'm struggling more, have difficulty walking as my feet are hurting. Doctor has gave me a sick note 4 2 months

[BoneyC]

Read up on the Benefits and Work website, but think you may have to have had problems with daily living and/or mobility for at least 6 months before you could make any claim for PIP. It's not payable for temporary conditions, i.e. broken leg, it needs to be a chronic, ongoing, progressive medical condition and you would need to back up any claim with medical evidence from health professionals.

[sallym123 in reply to BoneyC]

Thank u. It's not a temporary illness.