Cancer, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis and more and struggling with work

annepatricia1954

Hi, I'm recently in remission from cancer, I have fibromyalgia, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, aortic stenosis, asthma and various other ailments. I now use a mobility scooter etc . Have just gone back to work as I received no ESA help but I'm really struggling with work as totally exhausted and in a lot of pain still from my major surgery. I'm 62 yrs old and one of those ladies who's pension has been defered twice. I try to be positive but difficult at times. X

Sam_Alumni

Hi @annepatricia1954 welcome to the community.

This sounds really tough, do you have family support? 

Matilda

I would have thought that you would be eligible for ESA and PIP.  Suggest that you ask the CAB or a similar advice organisation.

jodowen

Hello Ann
Have you advised your employer of your difficulties? They have a duty of care under the equality act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments to your working conditions and to ensure that they do not exacerbate your health difficulties. Reasonable adjustments do not only mean physical changes to your workplace, they could also include; reducing working hours, controlling stress factors, providing more breaks etc.  Have a look at the guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance and speak to your HR advisor at work.  
I would also recommend that you contact a benefit advisor through this website and discuss your eligibility for Personal Independence Payment (which replaced the old disability living allowance) This benefit is not means tested and is paid whether or not you are working. The application process measures your need for support (physical, emotional or academic) based on help which you might need regardless of whether or not it is being received by you. Payment of PIP does not impact negatively on any other benefit which you may be entitled to and sometimes means that other benefits paid may increase.