Please can I have some advice? I have psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. At 31 with a husband and 6 year old St home, I work 35 hours a week in a bank. I am due to start etanercept once healthcare at home contact me. A friend says even though I work I should be entitled to PIP. Is this true? Xxx
0
Comments
Good luck - if you don't ask you won't receive. DD
When claiming pip it isn't about the name of the condition it's about how the condition affects you, if that makes sense. Ie, I friend has rheumatoid arthritis but is very well controlled by meds so therefore she is not entitled to pip as she does not need any extra support when bathing, walking, cooking etc. My RA is not controlled and I need a lot of support so therefore get dla, soon to be pip.
When filling in forms, think about the extra support you need due to effects of the arthritis. Ie, early morning stiffness and severe pain leave me unable to..... Without support from others.
Many people believe they are entitled to certain benefits because they have been diagnosed with an illness or disability (I'm not suggesting you) and fail to understand it's not the condition but how it affects you, how much extra support do you need compared to when you were in good health.
As the name suggests personal independant payments pip, it is about the help and support you need to gain as much independence as possible.
Hope this helps.
Good luck
Lesley
Julian of Norwich
I am working part time, and on high rate of mobility DLA. I have osteo arthritis both knees, lumbar spine, and both ankles.
Have you asked your employer for reasonable adjustments? Can you access Occupational Health services via your employer? Although Occy Health made recommendations for me when I saw them, they weren't able to enforce those recommendations sadly, so this does depend on you working for an employer who has some understanding and empathy. Sadly, that doesn't always happen.
Take one step at a time, but above all else, listen to your body. If you need help with anything ask. Have a "slippage list" - put things on there that don't matter, they'll gradually be overtaken by other things and then slip off the bottom, never to be thought of again.
Keep posting on this forum. I've had tremendous help and support from the wonderful people on here.
Please let us know how you get on.
Take care,
GraceB