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At work
High cholesterol does not usually affect your ability to work. You may need time off for blood tests or appointments. Many workplaces offer health checks.
Is it a disability?
High cholesterol on its own is unlikely to count as a disability under the Equality Act, because it does not usually affect daily activities. Conditions it can lead to, such as coronary heart disease or stroke, may count.
Benefits
Disability benefits such as PIP are based on how a condition affects your daily life, so high cholesterol alone will not usually qualify. If you also have heart disease, a stroke or another condition, read about those:
Prescriptions
Statins are usually taken for life. In England, a prescription prepayment certificate can save money if you pay for 2 or more items a month. Prescriptions are free in Wales. Check if you could get free prescriptions with our NHS health costs check.
Sources we used
- GOV.UK, Definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010
- NHSBSA, Prescription prepayment certificates
- GOV.UK, Personal Independence Payment
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.