Support for disabling conditions like long Covid – don’t miss out

Figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that they had an average of just one claim for PIP a day where the main disabling condition was long Covid, between March and July 2021.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 1.3 million people have long Covid in the UK and 506,000 have had it for at least a year. Worryingly, one in five of those living with long Covid report that their ability to undertake daily activities has been “limited a lot” as a result.

Why are more claims not being made?

The lack of claims might be explained by a lack of awareness of the benefits available, or a reluctance to claim.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can help with extra living costs if you have both:

- a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability

-- difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition.

You can get PIP even if you’re working, have savings or are getting most other benefits.

There are 2 parts to PIP: a daily living part (if you need help with everyday tasks); and a mobility part (if you need help with getting around).

Whether you get one or both parts and how much you get depends on how difficult you find everyday tasks and getting around.

What is long Covid?

As it's such a recent disability, there is no universal definition of long Covid. Guidance for health workers in England describes it as symptoms that continue for more than 12 weeks after an infection and cannot be explained by another cause.

According to the NHS, common long-term symptoms include extreme tiredness, shortness of breath, insomnia, dizziness, tightness in the chest and "brain fog". Other effects can include joint pain, pins and needles, tinnitus and depression or anxiety.

What help is available?

Whether you have long Covid, or a huge range of other physical or mental health conditions that make daily living and mobility tasks difficult for you, you could be missing out on benefits like PIP to help you live better.

For example, if you previously took the bus to work but now find walking to the bus stop exhausting, support may be available to pay for a taxi.

If you are having problems with daily activities and would like a FREE check to see if you could be entitled to PIP or any other benefits, contact Benefit Answers on 0330 121 2128.

Benefit Answers are independent benefit claims & appeals specialists who can help with DLA, PIP, ESA and Attendance Allowance. For more information, visit https://benefitanswers.co.uk