psoriatic arthritis and benefits

alphasha

Hi,
my partner has been diagnosed with chronic PA and has lost 40% of his mobility and breathing capacity. He is in constant pain and has now run out of any pain relief treatment that works the last resort now to try morphine which his rhumatology consultant says will not be of any help. He is currently on topical skin treatments and Methotrexate, Tramadol and Naproxen (he starts on Biologics on Jan 13th).
We also see a consultant dermatologist as his skins is really bad, a physio and an occupational therapist.
We are really struggling to manage his pain and I am having to turn him, help him up and help to dress him as he is too stiff and sore to do it himself.
Our biggest issue is to try and relieve the pain, and his consultant has said no work (he is a builders laborourer) just rest and extensive hydro therapy and physio.
My question after such a ramble is do we qualify for any benefits, we live in private rented and I work part time and my son goes to school and after school club.
I get tax credits but he is too proud to even sign on for JSA.

Indie_Kid

He can claim DLA if he has care/mobility needs which have lasted for 3 months, and are expected to last for at least another 6.

If your income is low enough, you can claim council tax benefit and local housing allowance.

He might also be entitled to ESA - depending on either his NI contributions over the last 2 tax years, or your income.

veryunsure

He sounds in a bad way - I hope he can get some effective treatment soon. It must be terrible for all of you.

I expect he has paid into the system for all of his life? He should think of it as an insurance and now is his turn to make a claim. That's what the system is there for; you pay in when you are able to and it helps you when you need help.

I hope you can persuade him gently that pride won't pay the bills or provide the essentials that he needs to ease his condition as well as taking some of the stress from you in having to be a carer and working at the same time.

mouseymousey99

Sorry to hear about your problems. These people have been lots of help to me :-
http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk
You can also find information sheets on lots of aspects and they have a help line with people who can guide you through benefit queries.
Your local council may have a phone number for DIAL who again can help you complete the applications for benefits, (which can be a bit daunting). The council will also have an occupational therapist, who can also help. Your home may need or benefit from some modifications which make life easier (mine was a shower/extra hand rails/grab bars etc). The OT will go through the day to day needs and tells the council what can be done to help you. It can't take the pain away - but it may help make life a little easier. Best wishes.

krisskross

mouseymousey99 wrote: »

. Your home may need or benefit from some modifications which make life easier (mine was a shower/extra hand rails/grab bars etc). The OT will go through the day to day needs and tells the council what can be done to help you. It can't take the pain away - but it may help make life a little easier. Best wishes.

They live in private rented accommodation. The landlord may not want alterations to the property.

mouseymousey99

They live in private rented accommodation. The landlord may not want alterations to the property.

A handrail or a shower is hardly major is it? Would a landlord object to a shower being fitted? The OT can also assess if people are in need of council accomodation - which may be a better option - I tried to help - can you help???

krisskross

mouseymousey99 wrote: »

They live in private rented accommodation. The landlord may not want alterations to the property.

A handrail or a shower is hardly major is it? Would a landlord object to a shower being fitted? The OT can also assess if people are in need of council accomodation - which may be a better option - I tried to help - can you help???

I thought mine was a valid point. Sorry for stepping on your toes.

Brighton_belle

HI OP, I am in the same condition as your DH, so my sympathies are with you. Biologics can be very good and have helped some people tremendously so hang on to that. (The reason I am not on them is too long a story). I am on methotrexate and Neoral.


Men and pride re signing on is a nightmare, I know - try and tell him hehas paid in to an insurance policy all his wroking life and it is ime to get the benfit of that. Probably won't work though:rolleyes: Think further though...
He can't qualify for JSA if he is not fit for work surely? - and it is SO important he rests(while moving regulalry enough to maintain mobility) - if he doesn't he'll get worse at this stage.
I would have though he should be appliying for some sort of income support/incapacity benefit. Perhaps try an get his dr's to help he see he must apply - you need to eat/keep warm/pay bills etc. Perhaps you can ring the benefits helpline on Monday?

I would have thought you may be eligilble for help with C Tax and the rent if your income is now very low.
I get DLA lowest rate componant though the DLA awards do seem to be quite random in who gets and who doesn't - his GP and rheumy must support such an application though - they must see how bad he is. Mine were fantastic when I applied and definitely helped me get somehting I am sure.
I work partime and have a lodger to make ends meet so don't qualify for anything else so am not aare of what else is out there, but I hope some of this helps.

There is also a fantastic psoriais/arthritis forum at:
http://www.psoriasis-help.org.uk/

You can post all sorts of questions there to people going through what your DH is.

alphasha

Thank you all for all your help and advice.
We have spoken to DWP and the lady was lovely just fingers crossed now to see what happens.
Happy new year to all on here

soolin

Can I please just remind users to be mindful of this rule from Martin:

MEDICAL ADVICE

Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this: Sorry, giving or asking for medical advice is not permitted on this forum as it’s not what this site is about. While discussing medical insurance policies, cheaper ways to see consultants, cashback for alternative health treatments and how to get specific medication cheaper (legally) are all perfectly acceptable we ask you specifically not to discuss what to do in the event of certain medical problems (please see this rule on the Health Board). If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="abuse@moneysavingexpert.com"]abuse@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

Anthillmob

sorry soolin if its me breaking the rules.

OP please PM me if my message gets edited by the boardguide. may be able to advise.

edit - ill pm you right now