You will notice that the logo and group are starting to appear on this site.

That is because we are now a team of people. Using our various skills to raise awareness and promote the issues we face.

This site originated as a blog. Borne out of the lack of information that could be found in one place. Relating to those who are HIV+ and are currently undergoing the Benefits Review of Disability Living Allowance (DLA). As well as the changes to existing benefits in the Welfare Reform Act 2007. This affects me and my key interests are HIV & the Gay Community. That said the information is relevant to all who are HIV+ & all who are undergoing review. I encourage and welcome everyone who is affected to contribute.

The view expressed here are based on shared personal experience. Everyones experience is different. I can only be responsible for information on this site. External links are the responsibility of the respective author. I cannot offer advice on a direct basis merely share what I have found.

THANK YOU to everyone who has helped promote awareness of these issues & contributed their experience.

If you are not HIV+ and want to understand the "Short & Long Term" impact of this review please click here.

I am receiving comments on the blog, thank you all, about stopping medication. This is an important issue and I post my response to these comments on the blog below.

 I WOULD ADVISE YOU DO NOT STOP YOUR MEDICATION. IT MAY CREATE LONG TERM RESISTANCE ISSUES & WILL CAUSE ILL HEALTH.

  IF YOU DO STOP. DO SO UNDER ADVICE FROM YOUR CONSULTANT TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF LONG TERM RESISTANCE.

I doubt that stopping your medication will have any impact other than to your health & long term prognosis.

HIV is seen as a chronic condition. So long as treatment options are available for you. The State may take the view that your condition is treatable. Therefore your decision. Mental issues aside. To stop or not taking your medication is purely your choice. They may take the view that the State is providing the support, medically that you need though the NHS etc. . To manage your condition.

However, unless you have no treatment options left. That is, you are resistant to all existing therapies & they cease to control your HIV. Where your prognosis is defined medically as "Terminal" with a short term life expectancy. This is clearly a different case. Different rules apply. Notify the Department for Work & Pensions.

http://hivbenefits.tcell.org.uk/sites/all/modules/extlink/extlink.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; padding-right: 12px; color: rgb(67, 79, 140); text-decoration: none; background-color: transparent; background-position: 100% 50%; " href="http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/DG_10011731">Special rules still exist if you are terminally ill.

It is likely few with HIV would be in the situation.

If you are reading this and your prognosis is "Terminal". Please know you are in our thoughts.

The HIV medics are worried that people may stop their medication because of this. Stopping your medication is not likely to improve your chances with respect to any review you may be undergoing. It will merely put you, your loved ones & the NHS under pressure. 

If you require further information refer to your clinical doctor.