'When an employee has Addison's' leaflet was written to help those newly diagnosed – or changing jobs – to explain their condition to an employer.

The leaflet covers the following information:

1. How Addison’s may affect people at work
2. Ongoing symptoms
3. Adrenal crisis
4. Time off work
5. Addison’s and disability law
6. Possible adjustments
7. Supporting an employee with Addison’s

• Citizens Advice: check what benefits to claim if you’re sick or disabled
• Scope - Equality for Disabled People: online advice and helpline available
• Turn2Us: benefits calculator to find out what benefits you can claim
• Social Security Scotland: Adult Disability Payment and Child Disability Payment

Your legal rights - is Addison’s and adrenal insufficiency a disability?

Whilst everyone might not identify as having a disability, people with Addison’s and adrenal insufficiency are covered by the definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010, or if you live in Northern Ireland — the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

This is because Addison’s and adrenal insufficiency is a life-long condition, it can seriously affect a person’s ability to do normal day-to-day activities and is fatal if left untreated.

We can't say that Addison’s and adrenal insufficiency is always seen as a disability because the Equality Act treats each person as an individual. And ultimately only a court or tribunal could decide. But the key thing is that Addison’s and adrenal insufficiency is a long-term condition that can seriously affect your ability to do normal day-to-day things if you aren’t able to have your medication or treatment.