Is crohns a disability

[julie2045uk]

Hi
I would like some advise. I have just been told i will be redundant in the next few months and looked at what benefits i can apply for in the UK. Also started to apply for jobs.
Some people say that crohns is a disability and i should apply it will also limit the jobs i can apply for as Need access to toilet etc.
Do i state i have crohnson job applications or not?
Does one apply for disability?
I am confused what should i tell who?

Thanks

Diagnoised oct 12
take pred 30mg

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

I think it would depend on how serious your Crohn's is. Have to admit that I've been at this job for almost 12 years. But, I do have management and people in charge that constantly leave every few months/years. I like to wait to say anything till I'm working with the new manager for awhile before mentioning about my Crohn's. This way they can see me for how I work not neccessarily as me being sick.

 

[Ihurt]

How bad are your symptoms? I mean it all depends upon how you feel. If you are really sick and cannot work, then it would be wise to file for disability. Where are you from? You would have to find out if crohns is considered a disability where you live. But again, it all depends on how bad off you are.. You will likely need a lawyer if trying to get on disability though, at least here in illinos you would. They like to deny everyone unless you are on deaths door. Good luck and hope all turne out well for you....

I think it would depend on how serious your Crohn's is. Have to admit that I've been at this job for almost 12 years. But, I do have management and people in charge that constantly leave every few months/years. I like to wait to say anything till I'm working with the new manager for awhile before mentioning about my Crohn's. This way they can see me for how I work not neccessarily as me being sick.

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

They have something now here in Washington state that you can sign up for that protects you from being fired if you've called in sick alot during the year. One of the girls in my dept signed up for it and although she doesn't have an IBD, she does get seizures. She tried to get me to sign up for this too. Problem is that when she did hers, my management got pretty mad. My fear about things like this is unless you're in the hospital a lot, it's not neccessary to sign up for and could be used against you. Good luck & take care...

 

[UnXmas]

As far as I know (my knowledge might be a bit out of date on this, but it is the UK system so should be what you need) you would only apply for disability benefits (Income Support Allowance) if you're too sick to work and are not seeking a job. However, you can work/look for work and apply for Disability Living Allowance, but in that case only if your disability means you need help - i.e. need a carer - which wouldn't normally apply to Crohn's, I wouldn't have thought.

If you're out of work and seeking a job, you should be entitled to Jobseekers' Allowance same as a healthy person.

I would disclose your illness if it's going to be obvious to an employer. As has been said, it depends how bad your illness is and what work you're applying for. Disclosing in advance means it may be easier if you need time off on bad days, or for hospital appointments, or access to bathrooms. In theory an employer shouldn't discriminate based on a disability you disclose, but if your disability makes you entirely unsuitable for the job, then they can say no without officially discriminating. On the other hand I can understand why you might want to keep it private. It's really up to you.

If you want to speak to someone profesional about it I would think you could go to the Citizens' Advice Bureau or look up their phone number online.

 

[Sydonie]

Where I live( New Zealand ) crohns is classes as a disability no matter it's severity, xx

 

[Misty-Eyed]

Here is the info from Crohn's and Colitis UK on benefits. Hope it helps! http://www.nacc.org.uk/content/services/dla.asp

 

[julie2045uk]

Thank you all.

 

[heisenberg]

It is actually illegal for an employer to ask if you have any health issues on a job application (and a bunch of other things including age for that matter), unless they can objectively justify that it is necessary to ask that question (as an example, people wanting to become a pilot can't do it if they have eyesight problems, so an employer would be able to ask about that). So I definitely would not say anything (as even though they aren't allowed to discriminate, I guarantee some companies would) during the application process.

If being in the peak of physical health is required for the job, then most companies would have a health questionnaire/medical exam once you have accepted the job offer. At this point you can tell them and they can decide if Crohn's would stop you doing the job properly, or what adjustments would need to be made if any.

 

[xSophiexx]

Hiya .. have a browse on direct.gov.UK
it has a benefits / employment sections and is straight from the horses mouth.

P.s heisenberg - LOVE your username

 

[Guest2383]

In Australia, Crohn's is accepted as a disability. To a large extent potential work depends very much on the nature of the job requirements. I was forced to take medical retirement in 1995 when first diagnosed. It was not what I had planned, but there was no other option.

As for revealing your condition to the employer, that is tricky. While there are laws governing discrimination in this country, you can rest assured that there are some companies that would make life very difficult for you once they discovered that you had a 'problem'! Stressful situations are not exactly helpful to Crohn's sufferers!
Merv

 

[wolfem]

Well, where I live I was rejected and I had a lawyer. Can you believe that!!! Ridiculous. Its hard keeping myself healthy and working. I have other health issues that contribute. They said because I could use my hands that I wasn't disabled!

 

[Pawleyj]

Hello

I've just Been diagnosed 2 weeks ago with CD but have been signed off work since October, I'm also getting made redundant in march and have applied for DLA they sent a letter back within a week saying there were waiting for a report from my gastro doctor ( I already told her I was applying for it so she knew!). It's worth ago, the minimum they will pay if they do is £25 a week which is a joke but better than nothing!

Good luck

Jess

Female 22 yo.

 

[julie2045uk]

Pawleyj Good luck please let me know how you get on.
Not sure if it is the side effect of the meds i am on Ped. or if as i am the one earning and comming to terms with no income ,or if concern about hubby who is under investigation for bowel cancer but dont seem to be able to think straight at min.
Will def look at applying to DLA but when i feel able to as would expect fight.

Julie

 

[Pawleyj]

Sorry to hear about your husband.

It is a long application, luckily my mum filled out most of mine (she fills out grants for disabled & elderly people for a living), one thing I will say is though you have to base it on a "bad day" or they will reject it.

Hope all goes well.

Jess
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