DLA and cancer

my mum was diagnosed with "treatable" cancer over 17 years ago, still on the drugs but still feisty - hope this helps.

healy wrote:

You don't actually need particular grounds for a DLA claim as it is not so much the illness or disability they are concerned with but more how it leads to care or mobility needs.

If this is correct then why can't a friend of mine who is a very bad diabetic cannot get any component of the DLA when she needs help during the day and at night? Also someone else i know who also has fibromyalgia same as me and is just as bad as i am was refused to even be sent the application forms out? I get low rate care at the mo which is going through appeal with WR and high rate mobility. Allot of it seems to be what area you are in and who you speak to on the phone. They seem to change the rules as they go along. I agree with you, it isn't the actual disabillity but the care needs, but if they can avoid giving it they will do. OP please don't let me put you off claiming but do be aware that is can be very stressful and upsetting at times too. I said to my WR adviser that i don't feel i want to ever claim the care component again after the next 3 years due to the stress it put me under:)

Hi
So sorry about your diagnosis. I was diagnosed with untreatable cancer over four years ago but all the medical professionals agreed that I had less than 6 months to live (the criteria for special rules DLA). Obviously they were wrong as I am still here and so is my cancer but I managed to get both DLA and Incapacity Benefit at the higher rate.

I agree with other posters that you should ask your your GP to fill out a special rules form saying that you might not live less than six months. That doesn't necessarily mean you won't live longer.

The money has been a great help as my husband had been made redundant the previous year. The last thing you need when living with a diagnosis such as yours is money worries.

Some Marie Curie hospices have a benefits advisor that is dedicated to helping people with cancer.
Good luck

Hi there! I was diagnosed with cancer in Dec 2002 and have been in receipt of D.L.A since Feb 2003. I did at one point have to take them to a tribunal to get my money however, which is the last thing anyone needs, but thats the world we live in! I would say from past experience with this horrible disease that your chemo is valid towards your claim as it will often make you feel pretty grotty. Not only that, you have to bear in mind that its not just the physical aspect but also how being told you have cancer has affected and maybe changed you as a person-this should all be put down in your claim form. If you have time then check out https://www.benefitsinmind.org.uk. I found this very helpful when preparing for my tribunal hearing. I still believe firmly to this day that anyone needing to claim D.L.A should get letters from their GP, specialists and any other health professional that you have dealings with-you will find that most will happily oblige.Also ask them to contact you if they receive any letters from the DWP, so you can make an appointment to go and see them to make sure they put down how your daily life is healthwise. Remember-only you know how you are feeling ,so you have the right to make sure that the information people are exchanging about you is correct! I did it and it worked! All the very best wishes! Antsean