Benefits

[CathT]

I have been in Canada for a few months with my husband due to his job. I am unable to get an appointment with a vasculitis specialist for 44 weeks! My vasculitis and other things are not as stable so I have decided to return to the UK. Does anyone know how long the process is for a benefit claim and will I need a medical?

[John_Mills Volunteer]

gov.uk/benefits-adviser Not sure if this link might help Cath.

44 weeks seems a ridiculous amount of time to wait for an appointment. If you would like to send John a private message he maybe able to help.

You can also subscribe to Benefits and Work for £20 for one year, quite a lot of people with Vasculitis have found them very helpful. benefitsandwork.co.uk/

Take care

Susan

[Zebra]

If you will be too ill to work you can get ESA with a GP sick note. The first 13 weeks are an assessment period but you get paid each week. During this time you complete a detailed questionnaire and then have a medical which determines if you continue to receive the benefit and which group you are placed in. The work related group is time limited. ESA is also means tested.

The usual target for referral to treatment is 16 weeks so you shouldn't have to wait anything like 44 for a Vasculitis specialist.

[CathT in reply to Zebra]

Thank you.