Health Conditions & Long-Term Illness (UK Guide)

Many people identify more strongly with their health condition than with the term "disabled." However, under the Equality Act 2010, many long-term physical and mental health conditions can be recognised as disabilities if they have a substantial and long-term impact on day-to-day activities.

This guide is designed to be inclusive and relevant regardless of gender, age, identity or background.

Understanding Long-Term Health Conditions

A long-term health condition is generally a condition that lasts for 12 months or more and may affect daily life, work, education, mobility, communication, social participation or independence.

Examples include:

  • Chronic pain conditions
  • Fibromyalgia
  • ME/CFS
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  • Parkinson's
  • Arthritis
  • Diabetes
  • Epilepsy
  • Heart conditions
  • Lung conditions
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Neurological conditions
  • Long COVID
  • Mental health conditions

Many conditions are invisible, meaning symptoms may not be obvious to others.

NHS Information

 

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is pain that continues for longer than expected after illness or injury, or occurs as part of a long-term condition.

It may affect:

  • Mobility
  • Sleep
  • Concentration
  • Mental wellbeing
  • Employment
  • Relationships
  • Daily activities

Common conditions include:

  • Chronic back pain
  • Neuropathic pain
  • Chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
  • Arthritis-related pain
  • Fibromyalgia

NHS Information

  • Chronic Pain (NHS)

Support

Pain Concern Helpline:

  • Telephone: 0300 123 0789

 

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes widespread pain and other symptoms.

Common symptoms include:

  • Widespread pain
  • Fatigue
  • Sleep problems
  • Memory difficulties ("brain fog")
  • Sensory sensitivity
  • Stiffness

Symptoms can fluctuate significantly.

NHS Information

Support

 

ME/CFS

ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) is a complex long-term condition.

Symptoms may include:

  • Severe fatigue
  • Post-exertional malaise (PEM)
  • Cognitive difficulties
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Pain
  • Dizziness

Many people experience fluctuating symptoms and varying levels of disability.

NHS Information

  • Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • ME/CFS (NHS)

Support

ME Association Helpline:

  • Telephone: 0344 576 5326

 

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

MS is a neurological condition affecting the brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms vary widely and may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Mobility difficulties
  • Vision problems
  • Muscle weakness
  • Pain
  • Balance issues
  • Cognitive difficulties

NHS Information

Support

MS Society Helpline:

  • Telephone: 0808 800 8000

 

Parkinson's

Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition.

Symptoms may include:

  • Tremors
  • Stiffness
  • Slow movement
  • Fatigue
  • Cognitive changes
  • Speech difficulties

NHS Information

Support

Parkinson's UK Helpline:

  • Telephone: 0808 800 0303

 

Arthritis

Arthritis affects joints and can impact mobility, dexterity and daily activities.

Common forms include:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Juvenile arthritis

Symptoms may include:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Reduced movement

NHS Information

Support

Helpline:

  • Telephone: 0800 520 0520

 

Diabetes

Diabetes affects how the body regulates blood glucose.

Types include:

  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Other forms of diabetes

Potential complications may affect:

  • Eyes
  • Kidneys
  • Nerves
  • Heart
  • Feet

NHS Information

Support

Helpline:

  • Telephone: 0345 123 2399

 

Long COVID

Some people continue experiencing symptoms after COVID-19 infection.

Symptoms may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Breathlessness
  • Brain fog
  • Pain
  • Heart palpitations
  • Sleep difficulties

NHS Information

 

Other Long-Term Conditions

Many other conditions can affect daily life and may qualify for support and reasonable adjustments.

Examples include:

  • Heart disease
  • Stroke effects
  • COPD
  • Asthma
  • Epilepsy
  • Crohn's disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Lupus
  • Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
  • Migraine disorders
  • Kidney disease
  • Cancer and cancer-related conditions

NHS Conditions Directory

 

Employment & Workplace Support

People with long-term conditions may be entitled to workplace support.

Examples include:

  • Flexible working
  • Home working
  • Adapted equipment
  • Reduced hours
  • Phased return to work
  • Rest breaks
  • Occupational health support

Access to Work

Government funding may help with practical workplace support.

Contact

  • Telephone: 0800 121 7479
  • Textphone: 0800 121 7579

 

Benefits & Financial Support

Some people may qualify for:

  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Universal Credit
  • Carer's Allowance

Information

 

Healthcare Costs & Prescriptions

Depending on circumstances, some people may receive help with:

  • Prescriptions
  • Travel costs
  • Dental treatment
  • Eye care

NHS Information

 

Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing

Living with a long-term condition can affect:

  • Mental health
  • Relationships
  • Confidence
  • Social participation

Support may be available through:

  • NHS Talking Therapies
  • Support groups
  • Peer support
  • Charities

NHS Information

 

Equipment & Independent Living Support

You may be able to access:

  • Wheelchairs
  • Mobility aids
  • Hearing aids
  • Communication devices
  • Home adaptations
  • Assistive technology

Information

  • NHS Equipment to Help You at Home

 

Equality Act 2010 Protections

Many long-term health conditions are protected under the Equality Act 2010.

This can apply to:

  • Employment
  • Education
  • Goods and services
  • Public transport
  • Housing
  • Public bodies

Information

 

Advocacy & Advice

Citizens Advice

Benefits, employment, housing and legal advice.

Telephone:

  • 0800 144 8848

Disability Rights UK

Information on disability rights, benefits and independent living.

 

Emergency & Health Support

NHS 111

Emergency Services

  • Telephone: 999

Useful Organisations

Essential Contacts

Service

Contact

NHS 111

111

Emergency Services

999

Citizens Advice

0800 144 8848

Access to Work

0800 121 7479

MS Society

0808 800 8000

Parkinson's UK

0808 800 0303

Versus Arthritis

0800 520 0520

Diabetes UK

0345 123 2399

ME Association

0344 576 5326

Pain Concern

0300 123 0789

 

Information icon

We need your consent to load the translations

We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.