Help with long-term Covid
Over a million people in the UK are suffering from Long Covid, the accepted term for Coronavirus that lasts more than four weeks. And, sad to say, more than 70,000 people in this country have had Covid symptoms – fatigue, breathlessness, numbness, pain or partial hearing loss – for over a year.
If you are one of those affected, you should know that PIP (personal independence payments) may be available. PIP is financial support for those who have an illness, disability or mental health condition, making it hard for them to do everyday tasks or get around. Income, savings and employment status don’t affect your PIP eligibility, and PIP can supplement any other benefits you might be receiving. To apply, you need to be aged between 16 and your state pension age, and you need to have had these health problems for at least three months and expect them to continue. For help with applying for PIP, contact Citizens Advice Adviceline on 0808 278 7907 (for Oxfordshire South and Vale). There is more information about PIP at
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/sick-or-disabled-people-and-carers/pip/