Hi, my name is crookygirl81!

crookygirl81
crookygirl81 Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener
in Start here and say hello!

Hi I’m new here and just been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and need help with benefits etc as currently been off work for two months and not sure I can return full time due to constant pain and brain fog as well as other symptoms… I would appreciate any help x

Comments

  • Jimm_Scope
    Jimm_Scope Posts: 5,409 Scope Online Community Specialist
    edited September 22

    Hi @crookygirl81, welcome to the community 😊 I have had two friends diagnosed with fibromyalgia, I know how debilitating and tiring it can be. The brain fog can really make it difficult to get things sorted.

    Can I start off my asking if you're currently in receipt of any benefits already at all?

    If you want to look into what you could be eligible for yourself without waiting for an indepth answer here you could check out a benefits calculator such as the one at Turn2Us: Turn2us Benefits Calculator

  • crookygirl81
    crookygirl81 Online Community Member Posts: 2 Listener

    Thank you for your reply! I’m currently not receiving any benefits and I was told to look into PIP but the forms are very long and I’m worried I will get it all wrong 😑 I did do the turn2us benefits calculator and it did say I would be entitled to universal credit if I went part time and that PIP would be a separate claim?

  • Nightcity
    Nightcity Online Community Member, Scope Member Posts: 2,670 Championing
    edited September 22
    https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/122932/hi-my-name-is-crookygirl81

    Hey!

    Welcome.

    My mum has fibromyalgia and brain fog and it can be scary sometimes even for me when it's severe and she gets very confused.

    I hope you get the support you need and deserve both emotionally and financially.

  • poppy123456
    poppy123456 Online Community Member Posts: 62,398 Championing

    Yes the forms for PIP are long but it's a process the majority of people have to go through if they want to claim it. It could take several months from starting a claim to having a decision.

    Please be aware that it's not awarded based on any diagnosis. I'd advise you to do a little research before starting a claim as this will help to give you a better understanding of the criteria.

    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

    For Universal Credit because it's a means tested benefit 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.

    If your earnings are more than 16 x NMW per week then they will not be able to refer you for a work capability assessment because you're not claiming a disability benefit.

    If your earnings are less than this if you claim then you'll need to report your health condition and provide a fit note. You will then be referred for the work capability assessment usually from day 29 of your claim. See link.

    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition-quick-guide/universal-credit-if-you-have-a-disability-or-health-condition

    You must also continue to provide fit notes without any gaps until a decision is made on your claim. This process could take several months.

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