Free prescriptions
In England, if you need thyroid hormone replacement, such as levothyroxine, you can get a medical exemption certificate. This gives you free prescriptions for all your medicines, not just your thyroid tablets. Ask your GP surgery for the form (called FP92A). Prescriptions are free for everyone in Wales.
Your rights at work
An underactive thyroid can count as a disability under the Equality Act 2010 if it has a substantial, long-term effect on your daily life, judged as if you were not taking treatment. If so, your employer must consider reasonable adjustments, such as:
- time off for appointments and blood tests
- flexible hours while your dose is being adjusted
- a phased return after time off
Benefits
PIP is based on how your health affects your daily life. Most people with a treated underactive thyroid do not qualify on this condition alone. But if you have ongoing symptoms, or other conditions as well, they may affect activities such as preparing food, washing or moving around.
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 because of your health, you may be able to get Universal Credit or New Style Employment and Support Allowance. A free adviser, such as Citizens Advice, can help you check.
Sources we used
- NHS, Who can get free prescriptions
- GOV.UK, Definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010
- GOV.UK, Personal Independence Payment
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