Support in everyday life for people living with TS

In this section you will find general information relating to disability law, benefits, employment, studying, public services, housing and transport.

This section looks at how TS is recognised under Disability Law in the UK, what state benefits may be available to people with TS, the responsibility of employers and service providers towards people with TS and general advice concerning other areas in life such as housing and transport.

Is TS a disability?

TS is considered a disability under UK law, which prohibits people with the condition being discriminated against because of it. We have outlined information about TS & disability, including the definition of disability under the 2010 Equality Act.

Download our Factsheet - Disability Rights

Benefits

If you are unable to work because of your TS, or need help with meeting the extra costs you face from having a long term health condition, you may be entitled to financial support.

Click here to access our TS and Benefits page for more information.

Care Act Assessment

The Care Act 2014 is the law that explains how adult social care works in England. It sets out:
• Who can get support
• How your needs should be assessed
• What kind of help you may be entitled to
• Your rights to be involved in decisions about your care

The Act aims to make sure adults with disabilities or long term conditions, including TS, can live safely, independently and with dignity.

Download our Factsheet - Applying for a Care Act Assessment for Adults with TS

Employment

Having Tourette syndrome should not prevent you from fulfilling your career aspirations. Many people with TS have successful careers, and are able to sustain employment. However, for some people with TS, employment may be an issue as symptoms can make it difficult to work regular hours or in your preferred field.

Click here to access our TS and Employment page for more information.

Public Services

Access to goods, services and facilities should be equal to everybody, regardless of whether they have a disability. We have put together information about the duty of service providers to make reasonable adjustments to remove barriers for disabled people and your rights.

Download our Factsheet - TS and Services

Housing

Unfortunately, some people with TS have difficulties with their housing situation. We have put together details of some potential housing issues that people with TS could face, and how you might look to resolve them.

The guide also contains organisations to contact with housing queries. Please note that Tourettes Action does not specialise in housing policy and is unable to assist with individuals’ housing cases. We suggest you contact the organisations listed in this document for advice.

Download our Factsheet - TS and Housing

Transport

Flying, using public transport and even driving yourself around aren’t always straightforward for people with TS. We’ve put together a factsheet about TS & transport explaining your rights and ways to improve your travel experiences.

Download our Factsheet - TS and Transport

Students

Help if you're a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability.

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is support to cover the study-related costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability, such as TS. This can be on its own or in addition to any student finance you get. The type of support and how much you get depends on your individual needs - not your household income. You do not need to pay back DSA.

For more information about what DSA can pay for and how to apply, please click this link.