Protected from diagnosis
Under the Equality Act 2010, MS counts as a disability from the day you are diagnosed, even if you have no symptoms. You do not have to tell your employer, but you need to for them to make adjustments.
At work
Reasonable adjustments could include:
- flexible hours, working from home, or a later start
- rest breaks and a place to rest
- a cool workspace or fan
- a parking space near the entrance, and a desk close to the toilet
- time off for appointments and infusions
Access to Work can help pay for equipment, taxis or support.
Benefits
PIP is based on how MS affects you on most days. If your MS varies, think about the whole year. MS can affect many activities, such as moving around, preparing food, washing, dressing, toilet needs and reading. Fatigue counts if it stops you doing things reliably.
PIP points self-check
Go through the 12 PIP activities one at a time and see roughly how many points may apply to you.
About 10 minutes. Your answers never leave your device.
If you cannot work
If your health means you cannot work, or can only work a little, you may be able to get New Style Employment and Support Allowance or extra money in Universal Credit. These are separate from PIP, and you can get them at the same time.
Other help
You may be able to get a Blue Badge, help from the Motability Scheme, or help with home adaptations.
Free, independent advisers, such as Citizens Advice or a local welfare rights service, can help you check what you can claim and fill in forms.
Sources we used
- GOV.UK, Definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010
- GOV.UK, Access to Work
- GOV.UK, Personal Independence Payment
- MS Society, Work and MS
We check this page at least once a year, and sooner when the rules change. Read how we check our facts, or tell us if something looks wrong.