Rheumatoid arthritis since 1995

[Justlucy]

Hi,I was diagnosed with ra 1996,been on various drugs over the years,I'm taken methotrexate self injection and rituximab infusion, I've had 2 operations on my feet joints removed and fused,I'm 65 still working which is a struggle,two year ago I was awarded the lower living pip no mobility pip,how do I go on to see if I'm eligible to be accessed again I'm struggling so much everyday to walk and pick things up I'm off work more with fatigue stiffness I've alway tried to not let it get me down ,I hate going to sleep pain on waking up take hour to get going.thank you .x

[KittyJ]

First off have you spoken to your rheumy team as if your RA is not under control/ getting worse you should let them know, maybe your meds need a review? I know that’s not straightforward with rtx.

Have you spoken to your employer about reasonable adjustments at work to help you? NRAS do publications that will advise you on this and what your employer should be doing.

nras.org.uk/product/an-empl...

nras.org.uk/product/i-want-...

With regards to PIP you need to call them and tell them of a change of circumstances but be aware they will look at your whole claim again and it could result in less than you get now. How long is it until review as it might be best to wait until then if it’s not far off. Have a read of this to decide what to do,

gov.uk/pip/change-of-circum...

I hope this helps you. 🤞🏻

[welsh12 in reply to KittyJ]

Great advice Kitty

[Justlucy in reply to KittyJ]

Thank you.x

[Spanelmad]

You've clearly stated that you feel your condition has changed so all you need to do is call the dwp pip phone line.

[Justlucy in reply to Spanelmad]

Thank you.x

[welsh12]

Also if you can get someone who knows how to word your changes for pip do so unfortunately it can be hit and miss even though you clearly sound eligible

[Justlucy]

@thank you.

[BoneyC]

I would suggest if you are going to call the DWP, read up about PIP on the Benefits and Work website first.

[ExAcc]

Make sure you contact them before you reach state retirement age as after that they don't tend to increase your PIP award. Good Luck

[KittyJ in reply to ExAcc]

Good point ExAcc