Heart failure, work and benefits

Is heart failure a disability?

Under the Equality Act 2010, a condition counts as a disability if it has a substantial (more than minor) and long-term (12 months or more) effect on your normal daily activities. The law looks at how you would be without treatment. Most people with heart failure are covered.

Reasonable adjustments

• less physical work, or no heavy lifting
• flexible or reduced hours to manage tiredness
• time off for appointments
• working closer to the entrance, or on the ground floor
• working from home

Benefits

PIP is based on how heart failure affects you on most days. Breathlessness and tiredness can affect activities such as:

• moving around, if you cannot walk more than a short distance reliably
• washing and bathing, and dressing, if you need to stop and rest
• preparing food, if you cannot stand for long

If you are over State Pension age, look at Attendance Allowance instead of PIP. It is for people who need help with personal care or supervision.

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.

If you are terminally ill

If a doctor or nurse thinks you may have 12 months or less to live, you can claim benefits under special rules, which are faster and give you the highest rates.

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.