Staying in work
As kidney disease progresses you may need advice and support with sustaining employment, it is important you know your employment rights. Kidney Care UK have summarised these for you – Employment rights
Kidney Care UK have also developed a leaflet for you to share with your employer to help them better understand what you are managing – An employer’s guide to chronic kidney disease.
Welfare and social support
For those people unable to keep working there are different sites which can help you navigate and understand what financial support that you may be eligible to receive.
Welfare benefits and financial support | Kidney Care UK excellent resources and links to utility companies to help people with fuel poverty, struggling to afford your heating. Also Kidney Care UK offer grants for people on low incomes affected by kidney disease, who need a little more financial support.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can help with extra living costs if you have both, a long-term physical or mental health condition, or disability and difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition. You can get PIP even if you’re working, have savings or are getting most other benefits, look up this video and information – Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Helper on Kidney Care UK site. Get advice before completing you PIP from experts, social worker or patient support advocate, book a free welfare check with Kidney Care UK.
Benefits Information for Patients and Carers | National Kidney Federation –
Find your local Citizens Advice – Citizens Advice – always support available to help you fill out forms and apply for welfare and housing support.
A social worker is often the best person to seek out for advice for completing applications for welfare payments, if you do not have one in you unit ask the nurses or contact your local Kidney Care UK Advocate. Patient Support & Advocacy Service | Kidney Care UK – find people experienced to help and advise you in your region or area about different welfare support and financial grants.
Your local Kidney Patient Association (KPA) sometimes fund or provide support for kidney patients who need for example a new washer/dryer, holiday, or support for family; some even have access to holiday caravans you can book. Ask your unit if you have an active local KPA and the contact details of association lead or search a map of KPAs to find one near you.
There are also local food banks which will help you with essential food when needed.
Holiday advice and support
Kidney Care UK have a grant scheme to help kidney patients who need extra one off support to purchase things – see here Holiday and respite break grants.
Kidney Care UK also offer great tips on Travelling with CKD check out the information about dialysing abroad and medical insurance.
