Benefits for crohn's disease

harriettpan527

Hey everyone,

Not sure if youll be able to help at all but any advice would be great.

I am a sufferer of crohns disease and it effects me on a daily basis.

I quit my job 5 months ago because I was feeling so ill all the time and couldn't keep it up in a very stressful enviroment, and I felt bad for calling in sick all the time. I've managed to survive so far on my savings but they are going down very quickly. Does anyone know if there are any benefits for people with a chronic illness such as chrones. Its a hard one because somedays, often weeks I can be well enough but then all of a sudden bamm, bed ridden for a fortnigh. Its very stressfull.

cockaleekee

You would need to claim ESA. You could also apply for DLA, but most people with Crohns are able to self manage their condition, so would not qualify.

HB58

Benfits are paid due to impairments that make you unfit for work (ESA)* or care/mobility needs that your condition might cause (DLA) rather than for specific conditions. The impairments and/or needs must be present for the majority of time, even if your condition is variable. If that is the case then it would be worth applying (you would need a 'fit note' from your GP in order to claim ESA).

*It is actually a bit more difficult than that, but we can go into that later if need be.

sja75

harriettpan527 wrote: »

Hey everyone,

Not sure if youll be able to help at all but any advice would be great.

I am a sufferer of crohns disease and it effects me on a daily basis.

I quit my job 5 months ago because I was feeling so ill all the time and couldn't keep it up in a very stressful enviroment, and I felt bad for calling in sick all the time. I've managed to survive so far on my savings but they are going down very quickly. Does anyone know if there are any benefits for people with a chronic illness such as chrones. Its a hard one because somedays, often weeks I can be well enough but then all of a sudden bamm, bed ridden for a fortnigh. Its very stressfull.

Regards a DLA claim have a click on the following link, its Crohns specific and provides really good advice to walk you through a DLA application.

http://www.nacc.org.uk/downloads/dis...AdultGuide.pdf

stclair

I know someone with crohns and they get their water capped.

I do not know the ins and outs of it but it might be worth looking into.

harriettpan527

So I might be elligible for ESA? Could you please point me in the right direction of how to apply? im sure I could get a fit note from my doctor as he has seen me in some states.

cockaleekee

stclair wrote: »

I know someone with crohns and they get their water capped.

I do not know the ins and outs of it but it might be worth looking into.

Yes, that would be the Watersure scheme, and is for those who have a medical condition that requires additional washing. However the OP would need to get their benefits sorted first, as they need to be in receipt of means tested benefits.

OP, to apply for ESA you need to call 0800 0556688.

stclair

harriettpan527 wrote: »

So I might be elligible for ESA? Could you please point me in the right direction of how to apply? im sure I could get a fit note from my doctor as he has seen me in some states.

You can apply by viewing the below link:

https://www.gov.uk/employment-support-allowance/how-to-claim

harriettpan527

Ah thats great advice Ill have to get this sorted ASAP. When it comes to getting a fit note, do I have to provide any evidence to my doctor? He knows my condition but I generally go and see him when Im well enough to leave the house so he doesnt ever see me at my worst, and I send someone to pick my presciptions.

rogerblack

harriettpan527 wrote: »

Ah thats great advice Ill have to get this sorted ASAP. When it comes to getting a fit note, do I have to provide any evidence to my doctor? He knows my condition but I generally go and see him when Im well enough to leave the house so he doesnt ever see me at my worst, and I send someone to pick my presciptions.

Your doctor simply needs to b e willing to sign you off.
They can in principle not do this if they do not believe you have any health issue.

harriettpan527

Thats should be ok then, docotors appointment is booked fingers crossed it all goes to plan, thanks for all the help everyone. Such a friendly community here