I am currently on income support due it my IBS but was wondering if there was anything else I could claim? I'm house bound most of the time feel sick and tired loss of appetite weight etc. I am on medication but still suffer terribly. Any advice?

Hiya, I don't have any advice i'm afraid - just a bit of empathy!

I saw a consultant at the Hallamshire a few years ago and after having a range of tests (including the micro camera thingies) he concluded that I have some form of IBS. And that was that - no further help, advice or anything.

I don't go out very often, for other reasons, and if I do go out it's usually not very far. Before going out though I have to make sure i've been to the loo at least twice and I only go to places where I know I can access a loo pretty quickly and easily. But even after taking all these precautions I still have the odd 'accident'.

My mum has a similar problem, she was told she could have an operation (on her bowel) but the risks of making the problem worse are quite high so she decided against it.

If you're on IS as a parent, there's not a lot really. You'd need a hell of a lot of evidence to say why it was so bad to even think about DLA, but as for Incapacity Benefit, to be honest, forget it.

Even if your GP were to sign you off with IBS (which really is highly unlikely), then when it got to the review form/medical it would be difficult to argue a case, unless it was allied to other problems.

I do remember that there was some help via Access To Work, when I worked with that team some years ago for people who were really serious sufferers, but that would only happen if you were working.

If you're on IS as a parent, AND due to other problems, then the accumulative effect of other problems could make a difference. Sorry this isn't too much help, but best of luck!

I am on IS because of the investigations eg cameras both ways councelling etc. Just sems so unfair that I can't get any other help :(

Ok, so has your GP signed you off then?

Yeah about a year ago maybe little bit longer

Hi again, i'm not very 'up' on benefits and such things but, if you're signed off sick shouldn't you be getting Sickness Benefit or Incapacity Benefit? I don't know it that is more that Income Support or not?

If you've been signed off all that time it must be pretty severe, gosh I really feel for you :(

You can be signed off for 26 weeks, or up to the time of a medical, or a 'postal review'. The form is an IB50, but can be completed over the phone. If someone has a child under 5 years and 3 months, then they would be on Income Support, with no compulsion to look for work.

If they are a couple, then one would have to claim Jobseeker's Allowance, in respect of the whole family.

If it's a single parent, with a child over 5 years and 3 months, then it's still Income Support, with a once a year interview.

You may be signed off for more than 26 weeks because the medical admin haven't had time to sort things out, but it's highly unlikely that would last a year.

I've had 2 medicals, my boys are 2 and 4 and am in a couple, I claim income support based incapacity - I had to look at the paperwork

Im afraid IBS is not classed a disability on its own
altough i think it should well be theres not much help available im afraid.

I remember seeing a program on BBC1 about benefits and a guy on there was claiming Incapacity Benefit cos of having IBS.

I remember seeing a program on BBC1 about benefits and a guy on there was claiming Incapacity Benefit cos of having IBS.

If the IBS were so severe that he lost control of his bowels regularly, then he could get IB. Because someone claims IB doesn't mean they're disabled though.

Realistically, that would be the only way that someone could get IB purely on the basis of IBS. Bailey's Mum is signed off anyway, so she doesn't need to think about IB.

try the IBS network for info on this

http://www.ibsnetwork.org.uk/

hth

Great, to add to my problems I've been put on prozac now, oh joy :rolleyes:

with regard to benefits entitlements, it is how you are effected in your daily life that is relevant, rather than a specific diagnosis.
i.e. does your health problem affect your ability to work, to self care etc.?
I suggest you contact Sheffield advice link for professional advice on your situation.
www.sheffieldadvicelink.org.uk
hope things get better for you.

Great, to add to my problems I've been put on prozac now, oh joy :rolleyes:
Are you suffering from depression as well baileys_mum?

with regard to benefits entitlements, it is how you are effected in your daily life that is relevant, rather than a specific diagnosis.
i.e. does your health problem affect your ability to work, to self care etc.?
I suggest you contact Sheffield advice link for professional advice on your situation.
www.sheffieldadvicelink.org.uk
hope things get better for you.

Not exactly. It is to do with general daily life, unless there is a condition or disability which would mean that someone passes the Personal Capability Assessment because of it, being a leg amputee, for example.

This is where there becomes so much confusion. Though a person who could qualify for Incap through the PCA may still work in any case; someone who doesn't fit all the criteria (score enough points, in other words) may not be able to work, but the opinion of two people (decision maker and ATOS examiner) may say otherwise.

The important thing to remember is that it boils down to opinion first, law second.

After 2 years I've finally admited I am depressed so yes

Hi All,
Just to let you know you can claim DLA if you have bowel problems, and it is nothing to do if it is a recognized disability. My son has a very rare disease that isnt on the DLA list and he was awarded the care component on Thursday. I was told at the tribunal to explain to the best of my ability how my sons illness effects him and how we care for him, it took just over an hour but they decided in his favour. All i can advise is gong to the C.A.B and have a chat with them.
Good luck

Hi again, i'm not very 'up' on benefits and such things but, if you're signed off sick shouldn't you be getting Sickness Benefit or Incapacity Benefit? I don't know it that is more that Income Support or not?


You can only get Incap if you have made enough national insurance contributions. Those of us who haven't are on IS instead.