Finances
If you have arthritis, you may find that you need help with
getting about or caring for yourself. These needs may lead to extra
expenses. You may not be able to work, or you may need support to
stay in work.
Occupational Health at your workplace will be able to advice you
on you entitlements, and also be able to assess you in your work
environment and make suggestions to make your work life easier.
Your needs may be met through claiming one or more social
security benefits. These are provided by the Department for
Work and Pensions. As the UK's biggest public service
department it administers the State Pension and a range of working
age, disability and ill health benefits to around 18 million
claimants and customers.
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions
Bristol City Council have information about what benefits you
are entitled to:
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/benefits-financial-help
Personal Independence Payment
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) could help with some of the
extra costs caused by long-term ill-health or a disability if
you're aged 16 to 64.
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/benefits-financial-help/personal-independence-payment
List of useful links on benefits and disabilities from National
Rheumatoid Arthritis Society:
https://www.nras.org.uk/useful-links/category/benefits-and-disabilities
Citizens Advise Bureau (CAB)
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Benefits and work: guides you can trust
https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/
The British Red Cross
The British Red Cross runs an equipment loan service for
wheelchairs and other specialist equipment, and Age UK helps with
shopping and housework in some areas. Age UK also offers handyman
services for help with gardening and small household jobs such as
changing the batteries on smoke alarms. You may also find others in
the phone book - or ask your Social Services department or the
Citizens Advice Bureau.
https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help
