Does Chronic Fatigue Syndrome qualify for Disability Allowance?

[Kobold-Bard]

My girlfriend has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Because of this she is unable to maintain any kind of job, meaning we are a bit (read: very) on the broke side.

I have been told by different sources both that she does and doesn't qualify for Disability Allowance (UK).

So what I'm wondering is; does anyone in the Playground know if Chronic Fatigue Syndrome qualifies for Disablility Allowance, and if it does, do you have any idea which payment tier she would come under?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give.

[unstattedCommoner]

It depends. Read Directgov's advice on eligibility for Disability Living Allowance (http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/DisabilityLivingAllowance/DG_10011816) (which may not apply) and Employment and Support Allowance (http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/esa/DG_171891) (which may well apply).

[happyturtle]

Disability allowance isn't given by illness, but by the degree in which it incapacitates you.

I recommend this site (http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/help-for-claimants) for more information. I paid for the membership fee and consider it well worth it, as it's a huge help with the forms. I'm filling them out now.

[Mercenary Pen]

My sister was getting disability allowance for her chronic fatigue, at least until she passed the deadline for filling in the forms to renew (had a real bad patch for a couple of months around when the forms came, and over time we sort of forgot about the forms...) Luckily it isn't as bad as all that, because she's living in with the rest of the family...