Can You Claim Disability Tax Credits For Ulcerative Colitis In The UK?

If you are wondering whether you can claim Disability Tax Credits for Ulcerative Colitis in the UK, you will find the answer to your question in the following blog post. In addition to exploring the eligibility criteria for Disability Tax Credits for Ulcerative Colitis, we will also discuss the medical and supportive documentation required to support your claim for Disability Tax Credits; as well as review any other benefits that you may be able to claim for your condition.

Can You Claim Disability Tax Credits For Ulcerative Colitis In The UK?

Yes, you can claim the disability element of Working Tax Credits for Ulcerative Colitis in the UK; as long as you meet the qualifying conditions. These include the following:

• The claimant works at least 16 hours a week. In this case, the disability element of Working Tax Credits can only be claimed by individuals who are working. 
• The disability places the claimant at a disadvantage in getting a job. This means that they are unable to sustain a standard 8-hour working day or a 5-day working week due to the severity of their condition.
• The claimant has previously received a qualifying benefit such as Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Housing Benefit, Incapacity Benefit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, National Insurance credits, Occupational Sick Pay (OSP), Severe Disablement Allowance or Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).

Claimants who meet the qualifying criteria for the disability element for Working Tax Credit can get an additional £3,685 added to their maximum Tax Credit award each year.

Disability Tax Credits are designed to provide financial support to individuals with disabilities who face difficulties in employment due to their health conditions. Ulcerative Colitis can be considered a qualifying condition for Disability Tax Credits if it significantly impacts an individual’s ability to work for longer hours. 

This means that individuals with Ulcerative Colitis may be eligible to claim these Tax Credits if their condition hampers their job prospects or necessitates reduced working hours.

To support a claim for Disability Tax Credits, medical documentation and supporting evidence play a crucial role. This includes reports from healthcare professionals detailing the severity and limitations imposed by Ulcerative Colitis. It is essential to provide comprehensive information about the symptoms, treatments, and how they affect daily life and work activities.

If you meet the qualifying criteria for Disability Tax Credits and have supporting evidence for your claim, you can apply for the benefit in any of the following ways:

• Call the HMRC helpline at 0345 300 3900 from Monday to Friday between 8 am and 6 pm
• Apply through the HMRC website with an online application
• Download and use the HMRC app
• Sign in to HMRC’s online services

If you’ve been receiving Working Tax Credits and need to add the disability element to your claim, you will have to report a change of circumstances. This can also be done online.

What Supporting Evidence Do You Need To Provide To Claim Disability Tax Credits For Ulcerative Colitis In The UK?

When claiming Disability Tax Credits, it is crucial to provide thorough medical documentation and supporting evidence to demonstrate the impact of your condition on your daily life and work. Here are some examples of the documentation that may be required:

• Medical reports from your healthcare professionals, such as your primary care physician, specialist, or consultant. These reports should outline the nature of your condition, its severity, and any specific limitations it imposes on your ability to work.
• Relevant diagnostic tests that have been conducted to confirm your condition. This can include laboratory tests, imaging scans, endoscopy or colonoscopy reports (in the case of Ulcerative Colitis), or any other pertinent medical tests.
• Information about the treatments you have received or are currently undergoing for your condition. This can include medications, therapies, surgeries, or other interventions aimed at managing your symptoms and improving your health.
• Details of any functional limitations caused by your condition. This can include difficulties with mobility, fine motor skills, cognitive abilities, or any other relevant impairments that affect your work capacity.
• Record of your treatment history, including dates of appointments, medications prescribed, surgeries undertaken, and any modifications made to your treatment plan due to changes in your condition.
• Letters of support from healthcare professionals, employers, or colleagues who can provide insights into the impact of your condition on your ability to work. These letters should highlight specific instances or examples that demonstrate how your condition affects your work performance and functionality.

Are There Any Other Benefits That You Can Claim For Ulcerative Colitis In The UK?

Yes, there are some other welfare benefits as well that you can claim for having Ulcerative Colitis. These include the following:

• You can claim Personal Independence Payment if you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and Adult Disability Payment in Scotland if you are older than 16 years of age and have not reached State Pension age and require assistance with getting around and/or managing daily activities.
• You can claim Attendance Allowance across the UK if you’ve crossed the State Pension age and require assistance with getting around and/or managing daily activities.
• You can claim Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit if your illness, health condition or disability makes it difficult or impossible to work.
• If you have a child younger than 16 years of age who needs more care or help than children of the same age without a medical condition, you can claim Disability Living Allowance for Children in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and Child Disability Payment in Scotland.

In addition to this, you may also be able to claim help for health expenses, housing costs, transport and bills through the Government and third-party grants. You will find details of these on this link for support information.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Ulcerative Colitis can be considered a qualifying condition for disability tax credits in the UK if it significantly affects an individual’s ability to work for longer hours. By understanding the eligibility criteria, gathering appropriate medical documentation, and following the application process, individuals with UC can explore the possibility of claiming these tax credits and accessing the financial support they need.

References:

Disability benefits, and Crohn’s and Colitis

Understanding disability « How do tax credits work? « Guidance «

How to qualify for the disability Helpline element of tax credits