Having a long-term illness like lupus SLE can mean that you’re entitled to some benefits. This can be especially important if you find yourself too ill to work, but finding your way through the benefits system can be a nightmare at a time when you may be feeling to ill to do anything.

One benefit to be aware of is PIP (Personal Independence Payment) previously Disability Living Allowance.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps with some of the extra costs caused by long-term ill-health or a disability if you’re aged 16 to 64. You could get between £21.80-£139.75 a week. The rate depends on how your condition affects you, not the condition itself.

This benefit is not means tested and does not depend on NI payments, but you will undergo an assessment to see if you qualify. It’s tax free and if you qualify it’s paid if you work or not.

See this Government website for more information about it.

The Benefits and Work website and forum is a really useful resource when finding your way through the application process for PIP and other disability benefits.