Will I be able to work again with RA & Advanced Lung Problems.

[mattcass]

Mattcass, Again I am in the dark on this will I be able to claim something as my CSP only last 8 week full pay & 8 weeks half pay, is DLA a option for me.any advice is a bonus at this stage for me and i appreciate the advice i have already received, it is good that there is help out there.

[allanah]

Sorry not too good tonite, so yes go to cab and ask for their advice and they can help you. You contact the job centres I think for dla forms. It would depend on your occy health doc, your mangers and ur union. Get as much help from these people as possible, also from your Rheumy and chest physician. Be honest with all of them to how you are feeling, the earlier you talk to them all the better and of course chat with your GP too for help. Sorry it's short and sweet today xxxxx

[SaraF]

DLA you can make a claim even when working, this is paid on top of your salary. I don't think ESA can start until you SSP ends which is payable for 28weeks from your employer (Mine is at the SSP rate, so nothing and am currently off on long term sick at the moment myself).

Here is the benefit adviser which will tell you what you are entitled too gov.uk/benefits-adviser

Good Luck

[Sailaway]

Definitely apply for DLA, as SaraF says it's paid whether you're working or not, and go along to the CAB with your forms so they can help you maximise your chances.

If you're still not working when SSP runs out you'll get a form from your employer with the information you need to send into DWP; then you go on ESA at the initial rate. The next form that comes out is the ESA50 from Atos on behalf of the DWP - again take it along to CAB who will help. That's for the next stage of ESA if you're not still working and it's really important to get it as right as you can.

Ask CAB about your eligibility for other benefits too, like working tax credit etc etc, it's not easy to work out on your own but there may be other valuable help available.

[mattcass in reply to Sailaway]

Thank You Sailaway, your info is appreciated, mattcass.

[Victoria-NRAS Partner Moderator NRAS]

Hi Mattcass

We have a booklet which is a general guide to benefits and one which is a specific guide to filling in the forms for DLA, which as others have said is not means tested, so you can claim it whether you are working or not working. All our booklets can be viewed or ordered for free here:

nras.org.uk/help_for_you/pu...

Kind regards

Victoria

(NRAS Helpline)

[mattcass]

Hi Victoria thank you, I will go through your booklets, Does your claim start from when you were diagnosed with RA 5 weeks ago or when they started tests which was 8 months ago.

mattcass.