Disability benefits?

[luna_lovegood]

Hi! As a newly diagnosed scleroderma patient, do you know if anyone who has this illness is entitled to any disability benefits? Like if we can apply any form of benefit from UK (England) government? Any sort of help for prescriptions, heating, anything? Thank you!

[LadyTrundle]

if you also have a thyroid problem or are over 60 you get free prescriptions. If thyroid is the reason you have to apply for a Medical Exemption Certificate. Otherwise the best you can do is a pre-payment certificate which makes it a bit cheaper.

No help with heating costs! I’ve tried lobbying. In theory SRUK are also lobbying but there’s no evidence.

You could try applying g for PIP but it’s very hard and the barrier is very high. Basically they don’t recognise the kind of equipment and treatment we need (heating, heated gloves, supplements, expensive skincare creams) as being treatment or medical equipment. But I do know some who have succeeded eg if they need oxygen, mobility scooters etc.

[ThreeColoursGreen]

Have a look at the guidelines for New Style Employment Support Alliance and Universal Credit and see if you might be able to apply for them. Also take a look at Housing and Council Tax benefit. And there is advice about grants on Turn2Us website.

[Midgebite21]

It will totally rely on your symptoms and how it impacts your health. I’ve been diagnosed for 22 years but am still able to work and run my own business so there is no help for me. Everyone of us is different so you will need to be assessed on individual circumstances. I am registered as priority with my home fuel supplier as it’s deemed a circulatory issue but that’s it for me.

[Jaq1971]

I be have PIP for mine but this is because of how it affects me PIP is assessed on what help you need because of your condition and how it affects you, I run my own business but it has affected my mobility and I now have inflammation in my joints I also have secondary fibro so this causes chronic pain. The best thing to do is go to CAB and ask for help to fill in the forms and they can advise you l, some people don’t have the limitations with the disease and others do, it has had a massive impact on me and unfortunately it has become increasingly difficult for me to continue working. So I am selling my business as I cannot cope, trust me it’s not easy to navigate what is best but if your symptoms are debilitating then you maybe able to get help . PIP is not means tested and you are allowed to still work if your able hope this helps.

[Lion-yellow057 in reply to Jaq1971]

Thanks for this information please you can explain me what is PIP and CAB?

[Jaq1971]

personal independence payment and citizens advice