Peripheral arterial disease, work and benefits

Is peripheral arterial disease 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. If PAD limits how far you can walk, you are likely to be covered.

Reasonable adjustments

• a parking space close to the entrance
• less walking or standing, and the chance to sit down
• time off for appointments, exercise programmes and surgery

Benefits

PIP is based on how PAD affects you on most days. The main activity affected is moving around. Think about:

• how far you can walk before the pain makes you stop, measured in metres
• whether you could walk the same distance again soon after
• how slowly you walk and whether you need a stick or other aid

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.

Blue Badge

If you have serious difficulty walking, you may be able to get a Blue Badge for parking.

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.