Is diabetes a disability?

If you can't manage your diabetes without insulin, medicine or treatment, it is classed as a disability under the 2010 Equality Act - or if you live in Northern Ireland, the Discrimination Act 1995.

However, not everyone with diabetes who takes insulin or medicine is eligible for a disability benefit. Whether you are entitled to financial benefits depends on the level of care you need to live and get around, rather than the type of diabetes you have.

If you have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you may be eligible for certain benefits, depending on the extent to which your condition affects your life.

Everyone in the UK with diabetes is entitled to free, regular eye checks from the age of 12, which screens for eye problems linked to diabetes - such as diabetic retinopathy.

If you’re on any medicine for your diabetes, you’ll be entitled to free prescriptions. Speak to your doctor about a Medical Exemption Certificate and they will give you an application form.

It is rare for children under 12 to have eye problems linked to diabetes, so they are not included in the automatic diabetic screening programme on the NHS. However, it's still essential for children to have their eyes checked regularly. To do this, you can book an appointment with an optician or with your doctor, who can help you access a specialist. Children and young people under 16 - and those aged 16-18 in full time education - are entitled to free NHS eye tests.

There are additional benefits available to those with diabetes related to disability and long-term health, such as if you need help or if you’re unable to work. Whether or not you’re eligible depends on factors like additional health issues and how much diabetes affects your day-to-day activities.

Those most likely to be eligible for benefits include:

• Young or elderly people.

• People with mental health issues such as depression.

• Those with learning disabilities.

• People who have serious complications as a result of their diabetes.

Prescriptions

If you take insulin or other medicines to control diabetes, you’re eligible for an exemption certificate to pay for your prescriptions.

People in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland receive free prescriptions no matter how their condition is treated. However, those in England who manage it through diet may not always be eligible.

You may be able to pay less for your prescriptions if you buy a prescription prepayment certificate. This covers your prescriptions for a set price.

To apply for the exemption certificate, you’ll need an FP92A form from your doctor, and get them to sign it. You can ask for one at your next check-up. The Medical Exemption Certificate lasts five years and you’ll receive reminders to renew it.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is gradually replacing the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people between 16 and state pension age, for daily living and mobility benefits. Needs are assessed on a points basis and the tier of benefit you receive dictates how much benefit or care you receive.

Parents of children with diabetes who are under 16 may still be entitled to DLA. DLA may be available if your child needs more care and assistance than other children their age.

Attendance Allowance

If you are state pension age and over, have diabetes and specific care needs - for basic tasks or for your safety - you may be able to claim Attendance Allowance. There are two tiers available - higher and lower - depending on your specific care needs.

Carer benefits

If you care for someone with diabetes who has a disability benefit or another kind of benefit, you may be able to claim Carer's Allowance. However, you'll need to be providing more than 35 hours care a week.

Pension credit

This is a means-tested benefit available to people reaching minimum age criteria - those with a disability or care needs are more likely to be eligible.

La Citizen’s Advice Bureau is a good starting place to check which benefits, if any, you may be entitled to. It can also help you if you think a wrong decision has been made and you want to appeal.

You can also find information and advice at:

• Disability Rights UK has a range of useful guides.

• Turn 2 Us provides a range of information and guidance about benefits and grants.

To make a benefit claim, you need to visit gov.uk, download the right claim packs, fill them out and submit them. The website also has lots of information about your rights and the various benefits available.

Diabetes UK has some useful guidance documents for applying for DLA and also has an advocacy service. If you need advice once a claim is submitted, find the relevant number through the government’s Disability Service Centre.

Some of the forms you need to fill out are complex and can feel daunting, but it’s worth persisting as the benefits you could claim can make a difference to your life.