Hi, I'm emily53paignton! Would like to know other people's experiences are with claiming benefits

emily53paignton

Hello my name is Emily [Removed by Moderator - Personal Information].  I have been diagnosed with long covid in June of this year following having Covid in September 2021.  I used to work full time 40 hours a week but I can only work 25 hours a week now and even that is a struggle as I get so tired and really struggle to manage my fatigue and joint pain as well as other symptoms that I get.  I have been put on various tablets as well as having a monthly injection for vestibular migraine which I have developed since Covid.  I really want to know what other peoples experiences are with claiming benefits as my consultant has advised me to claim due to having to reduce my hours under health grounds.

poppy123456

You can look at claiming PIP, assuming you're not living in Scotland and then it will be Adult Disability Payment. Neither of them are means tested so savings/capital and Income do not affect the amount you maybe entitled to.

PIP isn't awarded based on any diagnosis. Whether there's any entitlement will depend on how your conditions affect you against the 12 PIP descriptors. You can see them here. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/adviceguide/pip-9-table-of-activities-descriptors-and-points.pdf

There's also another link here, which is long but worth having a read of because to try to have some understanding of what the descriptors mean will help. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria

The only other benefit will be Universal Credit. However, this is a means tested benefit so whether there's any entitlement will depend on your financial circumstances. If you live with a partner you'll need to claim as a couple. If you have savings/capital of more than £16,000 you're excluded from claiming. You can use a benefits calculator to check entitlement. https://www.entitledto.co.uk/benefits-calculator

You will not be able to report your health condition and be referred for a work capability assessment if you receive more than 16xNMW earnings per week. If you're claiming a disability benefit such as PIP then earnings do not affect you being referred.

Rosie_Scope

Hi @emily53paignton, welcome to the community  

Poppy has given some really useful links there, but I just wanted to pop in to say hello and welcome you.

The benefits system can be really daunting at first, but there are lots of people on the community that are willing to help and support you through the process, so if you have any questions please don't be afraid to ask

2oldcodgers

Maximising your entitlement to benefits is the way to go.
Disability and sickness benefits are the king pins that could see your income  in the mid to top £20's thou' per year for just two adults. In addition Council Tax and rent will also be well covered.