Chronic kidney disease, work and benefits

Is kidney 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. Mild CKD may not be covered, but advanced CKD, dialysis and a transplant usually are.

At work

Reasonable adjustments could include:

• flexible hours to fit around dialysis
• time off for appointments, and after a transplant
• more breaks, and less physical work, if you are tired
• working from home

Benefits

PIP is based on how CKD affects you on most days. Advanced CKD and dialysis can affect activities such as:

• managing treatments, if you need help with home dialysis. Points depend on how many hours a week of help you need
• preparing food, washing and moving around, if you are very tired or breathless

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.

Travel to dialysis

You may be able to get NHS patient transport to dialysis, or help with travel costs through the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme if you get certain benefits or are on a low income. See help with travel and other health costs.

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.