Disability Allowance - Any Advice Please

[Investigator1]

Hi everybody. At a recent trip to hospital for my usual check ups a question was posed by one of the medical staff. “Are you getting Disability Allowance”? No I answered! “Well you should have a look at that” they replied “especially if you have had to stop work”

So that got me thinking. I am 62, I had to stop work as a self employed Health and Safety Trainer because when the world opened up again after Covid I couldn’t go back into the classroom because of my low immune system, and not just Covid, chest infections etc. I worked a lot from home during the pandemic but last year all the organisations said “we want you back in the classroom” I had no option but to stop. I can live normally, I need a bit of help from my wife when I am feeling crappy because of Rituximab but to be honest I don’t know where to start regarding the process. I am the sort of bloke that will only claim what’s right and if I am not entitled to anything then so be it, that’s cool.

Any advice would be brilliant! Merry Christmas to you all and thanks for everything this year.

Thanks in advance. Nick.

[DorsetLady]

it’s often discussed on PMR/GCA forum…. now called PIP… best way forward is to get advice from Citizens Advice or AGE UK unless VUK have an expert…

Couple of links from CAB -general advice and the various activities and points they accumulate -

citizensadvice.org.uk/benef...

citizensadvice.org.uk/Globa...

HMG info -

gov.uk/dla-disability-livin...

[Investigator1 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks DorsetLady much appreciated. Sending you a hug. Nick

[DorsetLady in reply to Investigator1]

You’re welcome - might be to apply for Attendance Allowance if you require help from your wife.and can’t get PIP

[Poshcards in reply to DorsetLady]

attendance allowance is for over 66 only I think

[DorsetLady in reply to Poshcards]

Yes it is -apologies

My late husband received it, but state pension age has “moved” since then…

[piglette]

You can see if you are eligible by going to gov.uk/pip/eligibility; if you are, you can then get the form and fill it in.

[Investigator1]

Thanks Piglette. Much appreciated.

[KirstyW1999]

Hi benefitsandwork.co.uk lots of information online.

[DorsetLady in reply to KirstyW1999]

Hope you don’t mind- have reattached your link - yours above didn’t work - when it does it turns blue -

benefitsandwork.co.uk

[KirstyW1999 in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you

[Dazler99]

Nick,

Wow! If I took out aged 62 and replaced it with 63 and changed the job this would exactly fit my scenario - how spooky!!! I also stopped working earlier this year due to GPA.

I was asked exactly the same question recently during a hospital check up and was also asked if I had a blue badge. My reply was that I might be able to claim some form of allowance and get the badge but in my mind I don’t want to claim as it would be accepting the disease is wining. I’m on 6 monthly Rituximab infusions, combined with Avacopan plus various other daily drugs and like you feel crap and even crappier some days. The blood tests show that I am in remission from the GPA so my ailments are from the damage caused by the disease and the side effects of the drugs.

I strongly believe that a positive attitude will help me fight this and get back to reasonable health and fitness. Parking a bit further away from where I need to go because I don’t have a blue badge will push me further and hopefully help regain my fitness.

Keep fighting brother and have a good Xmas!!

[Investigator1 in reply to Dazler99]

Well Good Morning Dazler99. I think Brother might be quite apt, brother in sickness definitely. We certainly have a very similar path, I am on 6 monthly Rituximab (although last one in November is my last they are hoping) my symptoms were the same as yours back in 2019 and yes I feel like you do - don’t give in! I too have that attitude, it’s become hardened over time, even when I am feeling crappy I go out walking or (cycling in the summer) and try not to let it get to me. The past 3 months has tested me though, Covid on my birthday in October, Retinal Tears in November and surgery two weeks ago with a shot of Rituximab in between but I am still here cracking on with things. Roll on Summer!

[Allotmental]

Hi there, as you are under 65 it would be PIP rather than Attendance Allowance that you would claim. The advantage of this is that there is also a mobility element, the disadvantage is that it is a slightly trickier benefit to qualify for.

Whether you can work or not is not one of the tests, instead the tests relate on the impact of your conditions (s) on your ability to do some basic daily tasks. Good independent advice agency websites will have lots of info about this.

The other benefit you may be able to get if you have had to give up work and have paid National Insurance is Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). This type is non-means tested but may be reduced if you have a higher rate of occupational pension.

[Mgt1234]

Hi Nick,

I myself received PIP a few years ago, for a couple of conditions as well as PMR and GCA. I need a walker to move short distances and a wheelchair and have a stair lift. My husband applied for carers allowance which he received for basically taking over the tasks I used to do. I took early retirement from the NHS when I turned 50, as during my last year at work I found myself really struggling with my duties. I didn’t tell anyone (too proud) and only went to see my GP when I had finished work as I suspected it may be rheumatoid arthritis as it runs in the family. That set off a tremendous amount of tests which took a long time to identify the cause/s of what was happening. Our wonderful Dorset Lady has provided you with excellent links as always. The Attendance Allowance is the same as PIP but for people aged over 65.

see below …

Attendance Allowance helps pay for your personal care if you've reached State Pension age and are disabled - rates, eligibility, apply, claim form AA1. (Source Gov.uk)

I went through all the emotions attached to should I apply for a benefit, do I deserve it? It was a local charity which helped me to decide and kindly helped me to complete the form. I did shed some tears. But my attitude now is very different and I have helped others with their applications. Best wishes Nick.

[Investigator1 in reply to Mgt1234]

Hi Mgt1234. Brilliant advice. I am talking to citizens advice Monday. Nick.

[Mooka]

turn2us.org.uk/get-support/...

This is another site you can look at Nick. I only managed to get contribution based ESA when I was in your situation but like you I didn’t try too hard. If you are on some benefits you can apply for the cost of getting to hospital as well. Good luck.

[Investigator1 in reply to Mooka]

Thanks Mooka as always

[Main1234]

Hi Nick, as usual you have been given excellent advice and signposted to good resources.

I have supported people applying for PIP in the past and have only one piece of advice. The information you need to give is about your worst day (GPA is very variable as we know) if you did not have a supportive partner how would you cope day to day?Keep a diary with what you can/ can’t do. How do you compare with someone your age who does not have GPA.

If you are refused always appeal and keep all communication, photocopy PIP form etc and send via recorded delivery.

Good luck and let us know how you get on

[Suzi70 Administrator Vasculitis UK]

if you send me an email [e-mail] I can send you some information regarding benefits etc.