Benefits

Kayleigh1971

I have a hearing impairment collagenous colitis. Also anxiety and depression. Are there any benefits I can claim ??

BenefitsTrainingCo

Hi Kayleigh1971,

You don't say how old you are but I'm guessing you're under pension age.

Employment and support allowance can be claimed if you're not able to work. You will need a medical certificate ('sick note') from a doctor to start the claim though. You may also be able to claim personal independence payment because of your hearing impairment.

There is more information on ESA and PIP on the Scope benefit pages or post back here if you have more questions.

There may be other benefits you may be able to claim if you rent or have children but I would need to know more about your circumstances. A local advice agency, like citizens advice, would be able to do a full benefit check for you. 

Best wishes,

Michael

Kayleigh1971

I am 45 with one independent. My partner works full time so we are not eligible for housing benefit. I went on the sick 3/2/17. Ive got to go back to my gp on 13/2/17 to get a further sick note

Sam_Alumni

Hi @Kayleigh1971 I have Ulcerative Colitis, I had to have a google to find out what collagenous colitis was.  How do you deal with that? Is it similar to UC where it has flare ups and times of remission?

Kayleigh1971

It is similar to us although I don't get the ulcer side of it. I was under a specialist but he referred me back to my gp because none of the medication he gave worked !! I just take one day at a time and try to watch what I eat. It's been very frustrating to say the least. When I've looked for info it comes up only about uc and crohns. So I feel pretty much isolated which has led to depression

Sam_Alumni

I can imagine that must be really tough! I actually write a blog about IBD and had never heard of collagenous colitis so it must feel very isolating.

Social media is a great tool though for finding other people like you.  Have you ever had a look to see if there is any support on facebook?