Registering disabled? Whats the steps and benefits?

motorguy

My wife, although only in her early forties suffers badly from rheumatoid arthritis. Shes in constant pain with it, walking any distance causes her subsequent pain, doing anything "different" causes her subsequent pain - lifting a heavy bag, a jolt, driving after not driving a few days, etc, etc. Grip is now a problem too and she cant manage the vacuum cleaner, carrying washing baskets, etc. (or so she tells me!!)

Whilst she has resisted the notion of registering disabled, shes coming round to the idea as things like parking distances from shops etc are now starting to impact what she does.

What does she need to do to progress things like a parking disc, road tax paid, benefits etc?

Shes currently in full time employment, but whilst some way off i can see that being a problem for her down the line too.

Thanks in advance

Indie_Kid

I've only heard of it for hearing and sight impairment.

Benefits are based on care and /or mobility needs / whether someone is fit to work.

Mojisola

It's worth taking advice from people who understand the illness -
http://www.nras.org.uk/work-and-benefits

bazzyb

You can no longer register as disabled. You used to be able to do so and you would be given a card, but there is no longer such thing as a disability register. Most places asking for proof of disability now require proof that you get DLA or Attendence allowance or have a blue badge.

motorguy

Indie_Kid wrote: »

I've only heard of it for hearing and sight impairment.

Benefits are based on care and /or mobility needs / whether someone is fit to work.

Not necessarily thinking of benefits as in financial benefits, benefits as in the benefit to her of having a blue badge to make parking easier.

motorguy

bazzyb wrote: »

You can no longer register as disabled. You used to be able to do so and you would be given a card, but there is no longer such thing as a disability register. Most places asking for proof of disability now require proof that you get DLA or Attendence allowance or have a blue badge.

Ok, cheers.

How do you get a blue badge? I assume thats the car pass thing?

JJ_Egan

Blue Badge see your local council .
https://www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge
https://www.gov.uk/blue-badge-scheme-information-council

tomtontom

Some local authorities do still have a disability register, although it serves little purpose any longer. As above, you can apply for a BB through the local authority. She may also be eligible for PIP if she has care or mobility needs. Be aware that the criteria for the BB and PIP is high, it is worth reading up before applying as she may not qualify at this stage.

merlin68

My council do, only found out after ot sorted out adaptions and she wrote back saying that i was registered as physically impaired with the council.
but to get any other perks as such you need a valid pip award or blue badge.

Roxy07

You can still get Disabled Working Tax Credit without a DLA or PIP award, which might help them cut their work hours from full-time to part-time to make up the difference.

This is a judged by a doctor or OT

merlin68

Not what it says here.
http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/tax-credits-extra-money-due-disability