Benefits and MS Welcome and overview Purpose overview

Benefits and MS

Welcome and overview • Purpose - overview of DLA, PIP and ESA • The MS Society does not give advice on benefits • But we are pleased to be able to work with other agencies that do

MS Society information and support Information online and in publications: • Benefits and MS • Claiming Disability Living Allowance • Employment Support Allowance

MS Society information and support • Developing local partnerships with advice agencies to ensure you get help when you need it • Lobbying and campaigning to ensure fairness for people with MS • Helpline - 0808 8000

Introductions Name, MS Society role • Introducing and facilitating the event Name, Welfare Rights Adviser for CAB • Giving an overview of recent and planned changes to disability benefits and of the application and assessment process Name, role • Providing an overview of issues to consider when applying or being reassessed for benefits

Benefits overview Add details of external speaker • Name, role and organisation • Brief biography

Focus on MS Add details of MS Society branch representative • Name and role • Brief biography

What to consider when applying It may seem obvious at first how you relate your MS to the questions On the form and in supporting evidence, it is important to: • consider each of your symptoms • give as much information as possible about how MS affects you

What you may need to explain Fluctuation • How your symptoms affect you most of the time • How your symptoms affect, fluctuate or impact on your ability to complete tasks

What you may need to explain Silent or hidden symptoms • Including pain, fatigue, cognitive difficulties, altered mood or continence problems • Explain how these symptoms affect you – physically, emotionally and socially

What you need to explain Whether you can or cannot do things: • • repeatedly reliably safely timely

Summary • It may not seem obvious at first how to relate your MS to the questions and assessments. • Be clear about how MS affects you and your ability to complete tasks. • If your condition fluctuates, explain how. • Don’t forget any hidden symptoms like fatigue and pain. • Give as much information as possible and supply extra supporting evidence where possible.

Further information and support • MS Society information online and in publications • Signposting and local partnerships with advice agencies • Lobbying and campaigning to ensure fairness for people with MS • Helpline - 0808 8000

Any questions?