Hi, my name is susie64! Health is starting to affect work

Hi @Susie64, Firstly, a very warm welcome to you first of all to the community.

I am a nurse, I lost my job in 2023 due to Long Covid (subsequently organ failure). I was not in the NHS Pension scheme.

I would urge you to do two things.

One, look into LCWRA (ESA). You need to apply BEFORE 1st April as it then changes to a reduced/50% reduction. It may take months to be assessed but I believe you'd then qualify for the higher (current amount c 416.00 a month).

Do consider applying for PIP. Look at 'Benefits and Work' website, free of charge to join and 20.00 a year to get more detailed information.

Most importantly; I continued to work for nearly 3 years whilst I was really, too unwell. Please, DO NOT do that. I value my own health and wellbeing now, far more than I appreciated then. It has deteriorated far worse than I could have ever imagined and I live with the consequences of that daily. No patient is 'worth' more than that - please put yourself first. As nobody else ever will. It's tough going through the benefits system. I 'net' less than I did when working but, it's comparable as no petrol, car parking, union fees, registration fees, training costs etc etc. But, MOST importantly, nobody else will care about your health and wellbeing like you will; not in the NHS, not here, nor on any charitable sites.

Please feel free to ask me anything, or DM me. Take good care.