Hi, my name is HealthyUnicorn!

HealthyUnicorn

Trying to learn about the experience of welfare claims and support others in the process too.

Live with many conditions, some diagnosed, which are all probably wrong. This is as I have recently been diagnosed with autoimmune hypothyroidism, and many of my conditions can be explained by the disease alone. 

Has anyone else with this disease been successful in claiming welfare benefits such as ESA and PIP?

Best, HU

poppy123456

There’s no benefits that are awarded based on any diagnosis, unless you have 12 months left to live. 

The only ESA possible to claim now is New style ESA. For this you will need to have worked at some point in Tax years 2021/22 and 2022/23. If you haven’t then you wont be entitled to payments. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-style-employment-and-support-allowance

You can look at claiming Universal Credit but this is means tested. 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 If it shows entitlement you can report your health condition, supported by a fit note and this will start the work capability assessment process off. (Assuming you’re not earning more than 16 x NMW/week.

If you claim both the above together the ESA will be deducted in full from any UC entitlement. 

For PIP whether there’s any entitlement will depend on how your health conditions affect you against the 12 PIP activities. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/adviceguide/pip-9-table-of-activities-descriptors-and-points.pdf

More information here but it’s a lot to read but worth it to have a little more understanding. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-independence-payment-assessment-guide-for-assessment-providers/pip-assessment-guide-part-2-the-assessment-criteria#daily-living-activities

HealthyUnicorn

Thank you. I was more wondering if people have been success with a claim based on how their hypothyroidism affects them? 

poppy123456

HealthyUnicorn said:

Thank you. I was more wondering if people have been success with a claim based on how their hypothyroidism affects them? 

Question answered on your other thread https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/113754/hypothyroidism-and-pip-awards#latest

Jimm_Scope

Hi @HealthyUnicorn, welcome to our community I am pretty sure Poppy can help you far more than me when it comes to benefits and PIP so just wanted to welcome you. I hope you get all the help and advice you're looking for! 

If you're also looking to chat with other members of the community you can take a look at our Coffee Lounge or say hello in the Morning discussion! 

I hope you're doing okay today, I don't have hypothyroidism but I know it can be quite difficult given all of the effects it has. Especially with this cold weather, I hope you are able to stay warm.

noman

@Jimm_Scope

I think poppy is going to be a little bit busy for the next few days