Lupus Canada Advokit

Entitlements

Entitlements are benefits a person is qualified to receive. These benefits are usually not automatic. We must apply for them, and prove that we are truly qualified to receive them.

One of the important tasks of an advocate is to find out about our entitlements and to collect the documents required to apply for them. A good example of an entitlement is a disability pension. (For more about the federal disability pension under the Canada Pension Plan, see 'Resources'.)

Many people are reluctant to claim their entitlements. They need to remember that social benefits are not charity, but a way that society tries to create a "level playing field" - where persons who are at a disadvantage, for one reason or another, can live as fully as possible.

Another reason some people fail to claim their entitlements is that they don't know about them. Once again, you can use your resources to find out what is available: your lupus association or other disability organizations, the hospital social worker or the library. Again, keeping records of various services may be helpful at a later date.

For some of us, advocating for ourselves is difficult. Often we believe we ought to be able to manage with what we have. We wonder why we should have something that other, healthy people don't have. Even when we do recognize that lupus can put us at a disadvantage, and that we need supports, it can still be hard to pursue them.

When it is too hard - for instance, when first diagnosed, and coming to terms with having lupus, or in the middle of a severe flare - we may need to rely on someone we trust to advocate for us.

This person can be a professional (for example a social worker), an advocate recommended by a disability organization, a close friend or relative, or even a member of a self-help or support group who has the knowledge and the willingness to advocate.

But when we are able, and when we recognize that we truly deserve to ask for what we need and what we are entitled to, we will advocate for ourselves.