Psoriatic arthritis could be considered a disability in the UK under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a long-term effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. This law defines disability as a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.
Long-term generally means the impairment has lasted, or is likely to last, for 12 months or more. Substantial effect means more than minor or trivial. In the case of psoriatic arthritis, which can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints, it can certainly have such an impact, although the exact effect can vary greatly from person to person.
That said, it’s important to note that whether a specific individual with psoriatic arthritis is considered disabled can depend on their specific circumstances, including the severity of their symptoms and how it impacts their daily life.
In terms of financial support, the UK has various programs to help those with disabilities, including Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). Eligibility for these programs is based on assessments of how the person’s condition affects their daily life and their ability to work, not on the specific diagnosis itself.
For the most current and accurate information, it would be best to check with the UK government’s website or consult with a legal professional or patient advocacy group in the UK.
How Much Disability can you Get for Psoriatic Arthritis?
As of 2023, disability benefits are not typically determined by the specific medical condition, but rather by how severely your condition affects your ability to work or to perform daily activities. In the UK, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) are two benefits that might be relevant to someone with psoriatic arthritis.
PIP is divided into two components: daily living and mobility. Each has a standard and enhanced rate. As of 2023, the weekly rates for PIP were:
- Daily Living: £68.10 for standard and £101.75 for enhanced
- Mobility: £26.90 for standard and £71.00 for enhanced
ESA, which is for those who are unable to work or who have limited capability for work, had a maximum weekly rate of up to £133.30 in 2023, depending on your circumstances.
However, the rates and eligibility requirements for these benefits can change, so it’s important to check the most recent information from the UK government or seek advice from an organisation that specializes in disability rights and benefits.
In the United States, the Social Security Administration provides disability benefits based on specific criteria, including your work history and whether your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working. The amount of the monthly disability benefit is based on your lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security.
Again, the amount you can receive for disability due to psoriatic arthritis would depend on how the condition affects your ability to work, rather than the mere presence of the condition itself.
Please consult with a local expert or government office to get the most current and accurate information.
Article by Dr. Naveen Bhadauria
