Is psoriasis 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. A long-term skin condition that affects everyday activities, such as using your hands, sleeping or getting dressed, can be covered. The law also treats a severe disfigurement as having a substantial effect, even if it does not affect what you can do. Psoriatic arthritis is also likely to count.
At work
Reasonable adjustments could include:
- time off for appointments and phototherapy
- suitable uniform or gloves, if work irritates your skin
- flexible hours during flare-ups
- adapted equipment, if psoriatic arthritis affects your hands
You should not face discrimination because of how your skin looks.
Benefits
Most people with psoriasis will not qualify for PIP. Severe psoriasis, especially with psoriatic arthritis, may affect activities such as preparing food, washing, dressing and moving around, or managing treatments if you need help applying creams.
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
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.
Sources we used
- GOV.UK, Definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010
- GOV.UK, Personal Independence Payment
- Psoriasis Association
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