Disability - staying in work?

Question

I have a very long standing back problem which I am awaiting an operation on to hopefully rectify it. It causes me severe pain.

I continue to work in an non manual job, but the only way I can stay mobile is by visiting an osteopath 3 times a weeks (this cost is horrendous but its the only way I can remain mobile enough to work)

I am struggling financially to cope with these costs but I really do not want to give up working. I have looked and osteopaths are not available on the NHS in my area.

Does anyone know if there is any financial support out there to allow me to continue to get treatment so that I can stay in work.

Answer 1

Chiropractors and Osteopaths are regarded as 'alternative' medicine by the NHS. As a consequence the simple answer to your question is no, you can't get financial help to pay for the cost of your treatment at a chiropractor.

However, if you haven't already done so - you can claim Disability Tax Allowance.

Alternatively, as another answer - give up work (temporarily) claim Incapacity Benefit and Disability Living Allowance. Once DLA is awarded your Incapacity Benefit will also increase because you would then be entitled to a Disability Premium (as part of Income Support) notwithstanding you did not initially claim Income Support.

If you live alone and are awarded the Middle or high rate care component of DLA you will also be eligible for the Severe Disability Premium.

If you do give up work and claim benefit, at the point you start receiving the Disability Premium, as this is actually Income Support you are then entitled to 100% rebate on your Council Tax and if your living in rented property you should also claim Housing Benefit for help with your rent.

Its difficult to give detailed advice without more specific details of your circumstances. If you want more detailed advice - email me: - [e-mail]

Answer 2

Unfortunately, most health insurance will not cover an osteopath, and that includes government-sponsored health care such as Medicaid and Medicare.

Another avenue might be to reduce exposure to aggravation for your back. You might try your state Vocational Rehabilitation program. They don't pay for long-term medical care, but they may pay for ergonomic office furniture and diagnostic evaluations. This may help reduce the frequency of those costly treatments. Have you already explored surgical remedies?

There's a really good web site about accommodations on the job:

Job Accommodation Network
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/

I know from personal experience, back pain stinks. Good luck!

Answer 3

If you are in the United States, the Federal government has a program called Medicaid spenddown. This is different from welfare medicaid. They base your payment on how much you earn. It doesn't matter if you have other insurance, they pay what your insurance doesn't. It is designed so you don't go broke while staying alive.

Answer 4

Before you go under the knife and let them hack away, I strongly recommend you get this book and try it. I did. I suffered with back problems from age 16 through 40-something. After I got this book and did the simple "exercises" my back pain went away.

http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=1-0684852527-4

Answer 5

Ive had a dozen spinal inujuries and I go to a chiropractor once a month.or more. I dont know what this other Doctor is but Im glad its helping you. Good luck.

Answer 6

u need to ta;k to your GP about pain clinics which are free on national health u can have a walk in walk out treatment it takes about ten Minuit.a couple injections and can be pain free..

Answer 7

It depends on where ou are. Britain is good bout such things and the US can learn from Britain.

Answer 8

go out on social security disability ,you can get medical to cover your treatment then if you get where you feel you can work you can always go back