What is a disability?
You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to carry out normal daily activities. (www.gov.uk)
What does this definition mean, exactly? Click here to find out more.
Do I have a disability?
Hypoparathyroidism is a long-term condition. For some people it causes mild symptoms; for others, symptoms can be severe, unpredictable, and significantly affect daily life. If your condition has a substantial and long-term impact on your ability to carry out everyday activities, it may be considered a disability, and you may qualify for certain benefits.
What are my rights?
If your condition meets the legal definition of a disability, you are protected from discrimination under:
Equality Act 2010 (England, Wales, Scotland)
Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (Northern Ireland)
Equal Status Act 2000 (Republic of Ireland)
For advice, contact your local authority or Citizens Advice.
What support can I get?
You may be eligible for a range of benefits depending on your age, income, and how your condition affects you:
Support with daily living or mobility
PIP (ages 16–64)
DLA (under 16; adults in Northern Ireland)
Attendance Allowance (65+)
If you’re unable to work
Statutory Sick Pay (first 28 weeks if employed and earning £112+/week)
Employment and Support Allowance (if you cannot work and aren’t getting SSP)
Other possible support
Working Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, National Insurance credits, transport/parking concessions, and support from your council.
Free prescriptions
Anyone diagnosed with Hypoparathyroidism qualifies for free NHS prescriptions with a Medical Exemption Certificate (MEDEX). Apply via form FP92A from your GP surgery.
If you’re not eligible for free prescriptions but pay for multiple items, a Pre-Payment Certificate (PPC) may reduce costs.
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
ESA is available if you cannot work because of sickness or disability and are not receiving SSP. It can be contributory (based on NI contributions), income-related (based on low income), or both. Most people must complete a work capability assessment.
Benefits for the extra costs of disability
PIP, DLA and Attendance Allowance help with the additional costs of disability and are not affected by whether you work. For PIP, you must have had difficulties for at least three months and expect them to continue for at least nine months (unless you meet specific exemption rules).
Carer’s Allowance
Available to people aged 16+ who provide regular, substantial care to a disabled person. This is a taxable benefit.