type 2 diabetes - benefits

tonkertribe

My dad was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes a few years ago. At the time he worked long shifts and nights which caused some problems with his health. At one point he was sacked because of his diabetes, but then reinstated due to the Disability Discrimination Act. When reinstated he was given a different job, working weekends for two 12 hour shifts, so he works 24 hours a week. He's quite happy with this as he's nearing retirement age anyway. My mum doesn't work. His wage isn't huge as a result but he and my mum have always managed. I've just started looking to see if they can get any more help. I've found out they're entitled to a small amount of council tax benefit and both my parents receive free prescriptions, they both have thyroid problems on top of my dads diabetes. Does anyone know if there's anywhere else I should be looking with regard to benefits? I don't think he is entitled to disbility money becasue of his diabetes as it's pretty well controlled, am I right? I just wanted to make sure they're getting any benefits they're entitled to.
Thanks

healy

It doesnt sound like there is anything else they can claim unless they are renting and their income is low enough to receive some housing benefit. There are some people who may know more about this who post here but they could have a benefits check done at the CAB to be sure.

Fruity1

You are correct he isn't entitled to any benefits because he is diabetic. As mentioned if he is on insulin then he qualifies for free prescriptions, sight checks and I think podiatry/chiropody. If he were badly controlled and your mum was caring for him in some way then carers allowance may be an option. As far as I am aware the best people to check about allowances/benefits are Age Concern who will come to your house and advise you free of charge.

Parisien

Has he developed any complications...deteriorating eyesight, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease...etc?

Being well controlled doesn't mean he won't develop complications!

tonkertribe

I don't think there are any problems relating to the diabetes. He had Polio as a child which has left a slight paralysis on his face and he has problems with his muscles and cramp, but no real illness as such. Polio can come back in later life, so no ones really sure when he has a problem what the cause is. He has his free sight checks and stuff.

Thanks for your help and advice, i just wanted to check I was doing the best I can for them.