Chronic Fatigue, Osteoarthritis (and more) and abilities

A_Z1961

Hi! I will be getting my UC50 form through in the next couple of weeks. I have been looking online at the type of questions asked in regards to abilities, how conditions affect you etc for wca and pip.

One concern I have is this. If I can't do something, I'm in too much pain, stiffness, fatigue etc it simply doesn't get done. I live alone, I have no one to help me .I have lived with various conditions for years so I have managed and maintained as best as I am able. So question's whereby I say I can do it but it causes pain, I have to stop and rest etc surely they will look at that as you are able bodied. How do I do shopping? How do I get from a to b? I have to walk, do shopping and get home. There is no car, no help and I can't afford taxis. How do I wash and dress, again I struggle at times, or like having a shower/washing hair, it doesn't get done or I struggle through it. So in a nutshell, if I can do them then I do them , if I can't it simply doesn't get done or I wait until I am better able to do it. There really is no grey area. Yes I can explain how conditions affect me but for those who live alone and are fully independent there really is no other way to answer some questions beyond yes I can and this is the affects or no, it doesn't get done.

Has anyone else been in this situation?

Kimi87

Never say yes or it varies to an activity. Always tick no then go into detail about how that activity negatively affects you.

If you cannot do an activity reliably, repeatedly, safely and in a reasonable time frame, then you are treated as unable to do it at all.

I'd urge you to get help filling in the form, our problems and ways of coping become so normal to us, that we lose sight of what's abnormal and needs to go on the form. Getting an outside look in is invaluable. Benefits advisors also know the right language to use.

https://advicelocal.uk/welfare-benefits

A_Z1961

@Kimmy87 , Hi and thanks for such a prompt response.

Of course you are 100% correct, we normalise our responses especially when we've been living a certain way for years.

I popped into my local CAB recently and spoke to the person on the desk explaining I will receive UC50 form soon and would like help. She gave me a number to call when I receive them so hopefully I will get the right type of help. I'm so used to doing everything myself or putting it off until I am able to do it. I guess that would come under reliably, repeatedly, safety and reasonable time frame. I guess I don't think in those terms so will bear that in mind. It's like a whole different type of language and communication concept when it comes to these forms in which you need to be educated. They are obviously set out to this way to trip people up and put them off.

Andi66

Benefits and work do guidelines

I also have joint hypermobility syndrome, Do a diary of what your conditions are like day to day.

A_Z1961

@Andi66 thanks for your response and information. I already keep a diary, my work coach advised me to do this while awaiting my doctor's appointment on 18th February and have continued with this.

Take care of yourself!

Andi66

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/992490#Comment_992490

Thank you, and you