Raynauds and benefits/funding

[hayleyt14]

Hi

I suffer from raynauds really bad and my rheumatologist wrote to my gp for a referral for funding as clothing/heating is expensive. Unfortunately I can't get any but I was told to try for personal independen payment . Does anyone have experience of this? I also suffer from hypermobility, tendonitis,chronic pain, no sleep etc.

[mac58]

I have just applied for p I p.

[truerose]

I if what to put a claim for Pip go to benefits and work and join up..You will get all the info for your claim ...Google it in and go to their web site ....good luke

[AmyPS]

Never heard of that type of referral for clothing and heating and see my Rheumy every four to six months. Also been referred to Hand Therapist (fantastic and highly recommended).

I receive ESA Support (Income Related) and on PIP Standard Rate Care, Enhanced Mobility Rate. Also live alone so also receive Severe Disability Premium.

The ESA (Income Related) means I get £140 electricity grant every year - (need to reapply each year), get free dental, free eye tests and glasses etc.

[kel55]

Hi, be ready for a rough ride claiming PIP, get as much 'official' help as you can, not just from Sally smith via a forum. I made a mistake; I was honest about when I could and couldn't do things, saying when you can is taken as being able to all the while? I was awarded standard mobility but was treated as the lowest of the low at tribunal for having the audacity to question! Like you I'm on the severe side of Raynaud's phenomenon and I also get internal spasms, so far loosing my gallbladder. I'm now getting the itchy pimply rash (fingers, wrists, ears, lips, abdamon, groin, ankles and feet) when it flares up in my groin its raw and smells like rotting flesh but here's the key words, 'when it flares up', it maybe for 2 weeks out of 4 but if put like this then no claim, ignor the 'majority of the time' rules because the DWP will not consider it! I'm on 29 tablets per day, mostly to keep my vessels open in some way, my morning musali of Medes knocks me out for 3 hour again written like this - no claim. Also make sure you vet your doctors letters because they don't know and fall into this trap, mine was astounded when I showed him how his words where manipulated.

Good luck, kel (still reeling from being made to feel dirty at the tribunal (Walsall))

[trekster22]

You can apply for a discount to your local gas/electricity company under grounds that you need extra heating for your raynauds.

PIP is a new benefit and i havent applied for it yet sorry im still on DLA for the next few years.

benefitsandwork.co.uk is an excellent website giving tips on how to describe your disabilities on the form. i think theres a self test for PIP and ESA which have virtually the same criterion.

[hayleyt14]

I have received the forms, finding it quite difficult to answer. Also does anyone know if it was to

Give up my job, if it would receive anything. I'm finding work a struggle now