Classed as disabled for job application purposes?

[KornishPiskie]

Hi guys,

I was wondering if we meet this criteria as I read somewhere it includes any long term illness. Am I correct in this?

Thanks

Kornish

[Lalatoot]

I would doubt it as folks with thyroid problems on optimal treatment with a body that behaves itself can lead normal lives.

[Zazbag]

I list it as a disability. If it affects your ability to function normally, then it is. It doesn't matter whether some hypothyroid people don't suffer with symptoms. If you do then you're covered by the law.

[Jazzw]

Have a look at this. markvanderpump.co.uk/blog/p...

I don’t agree with what he says about levothyroxine adequately treating the problem—but I do think HT qualifies as a long term issue.

[MissFG]

As I have suffered with Hashimotos for a few years now and it has caused other significant illnesses, I’d consider myself disabled. Especially as my body still experiences attacks and I recover slower than previously I normally would since diagnosis.

The official info on this is as follows hope this helps:

The Equality Act 2010 sets out the circumstances in which a person is defined as "disabled". It says someone is disabled if they have:

"a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long term negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities"

By substantial they mean more than minor or trivial. For example it takes much longer than it usually would to complete a daily task

By long term it means that it has lasted for 12 months or is likely to last for more than 12 months or for the rest of their life

To be clear then it is not the thyroid problems themselves that count but how the condition affects you at work.

[Jazzw in reply to MissFG]

Absolutely! It’s not the thyroid problem itself that qualifies as a disability, but how the condition affects your day to day living and quality of life.

[MissFG in reply to Jazzw]

Exactly! And this is what the criteria is for PIP etc. I’d say if you struggle with hashi symptoms as it’s not a simple fix and is lifelong it would be fair to consider yourself disabled. It’s definitely not a label to be embarrassed or ashamed of but can help greatly in the workplace

[Hidden]

I was able to claim VAT exemption on my slippers and shoes at widerfitshoes. Mine are size 12, width 6E. Hope this helps.

The site says: "Individuals who are terminally ill or chronically sick or disabled can claim VAT relief on certain products.

The 6E, 6V and 8E fitting footwear available from this website are VAT exempt provided you meet the criteria laid out by the VAT office.

To qualify for VAT relief you must

Have a physical or mental impairment that has a long-term effect on your ability to carry out everyday activities

Or have a medical condition that doctors treat as a chronic sickness (like diabetes for example)"

[Miffie]

I have had hypothyroidism all my life (now 69). Although many are classing themselves as disabled I would never have felt comfortable doing this. Fair enough many years of being under medicated made life a battle.

However everyone I met who was disabled had far more horrendous and or life limiting problems than I did. I expect it is partly an age thing and the introduction of legislation to make life more manageable and inclusive for many opened the doors to allow many others to identify as disabled.

In addition to hypothyroidism I am diabetic. I have several other conditions which require lots of medication but not considering myself as a disabled person.

Anyone who will never be made well by medication is certainly disabled in my book. I do not have Hashi, I am one of the lucky ones with a destroyed thyroid so no function ever.

[Nanaedake]

Excerpt from equality act

gov.uk/definition-of-disabi....