Advice please

[Cat34]

Hi I was wondering if anyone in the UK has claimed ESA and PIP for thyroid problems? Any help would be great. Many thanks

[Hidden]

In the great scheme of things not many do claim those benefits or in fact need to claim them.unless you are in the very unlucky minority who are really incapacitated by it and nothing seems to improve it then it's highly unlikely I think.have you been diagnosed with thyroid problems,what meds are you taking for it?

[Cat34 in reply to Hidden]

I take lethothyroxine 125mg, sertraline 150mg, dyhydrocodine 30mg 4× day for the pain, gabapentian for the pain 300mg 4× day. I also take omeprosol and peppermint oil for gastro. I get so much pain every day it's unbearable to stand I've got siatica and back problems too.

[Hidden in reply to Cat34]

Ok sounds like you have lots of health issues going on.to me (no medical qualifications!) it doesn't sound too much as if it's the thyroid giving reason for those medications and the pain issues. Can your GP give you advice on what financial help if any you may qualify for given that he is treating you for back complaint and what sounds like chronic pain.

[LtAngua52]

Claims usually go on the symptoms and the things you can't do, rather than a label. It would certainly be much easier if it did.

[fibrolinda]

its not about the illness, or what it is but the effect on you... there is a great website called Benefit and Work (sorry brain won't let me do link) Its guides are brilliant. If you are so ill you cannot work then of course you should claim ESA and if disabled because of health issues of course you should claim pip. You have nothing to lose by applying except your dignity I have multiple issues and only recently found out about being hypo so can't help you there.

[sue_b]

Hi Cat34

Based on your list of meds and issues, presumably your GP believes you are not fit for work? In which case you would have no problems claiming the benefits you need. If you have been claiming for a while and are now being assessed to see if you are, in fact, unable to do any work, I am very sorry to say, it is a minefield. This is because they do not take your GP's word for it and the staff who perform the assessments (questionnaires) are paid bonus for marking people as fit for work; I have seen the adverts and I have a relative who works as a mentor/support worker for people with learning disabilities who have to go through the ESA system too. Be prepared to battle and please get as much advice and info about how to tackle the system as you can. Delay until you are ready, have someone with you to support you.

My own experience was that despite being a nervous wreck, unable to control my emotions, brain fog etc (hypo and under-medicated so treated as depressed), I got to my appointment on time , on the right day and did my best to go along with the assessment. All of my difficulties were completely, I mean completely ignored, not even mentioned. I am afraid the person I had was ruthless, tapping her foot while waiting for me to answer the myriad questions.

Having scored zero in the assessment, the staff in the benefits office were sympathetic to my difficulties ( crying uncontrollably in their offices) and put me onto a scheme run by the local college to try and ease me back into being able to work. PM me as I did find a link last year with advice I would have used if I hadn't sold my house instead so that I had money to live on and pay for private healthcare.

This is the way it is I'm afraid All the very best to you.

Sue