what benefits?? help b4 i crack up plz?

edinburgh_lesley

Hi all,
Im a new poster so here i go.
I'm a mum of two and work 26 hours in a school and my teenage daughter was diagnosed in June with cancer.I have been off my work since then(through school holidays ) as she had to get weekly chemotherapy treatments in London until 4 weeks ago!This has not only been emotionally harrowing but financially a nighmare.Dont get me wrong the NHS have been good and organised flights and accom each week.But i have had to survive down there and buy wheel chairs etc, I have borrowed money from my family and friends to help finance her weekly treatment, and cope with a son at home. Macmillan and CLIC sergent helped greatly and local charity donated money. This was very humbling and so appreciated at such a mad time.
GOOD NEWS< as of yesterday -result of MRI and ultrasound scan-
HER TUMOUR IS GONE !!
We are so pleased and want to get back to living again:j
However, things were tight and money was in a mess before all this then,I got a letter from my work this week saying i go onto half pay at the end of the month which worries me.

My daughter was at college and had a wee shop job which pays her £200 a month til next month.Then what do i do? Doctor said she is not psychologically able to go back to a job for a few months yet.What benefits is she entitled to as she is "cured of cancer" but not fit for work?
I myself am emotionally numb after all the past few months of supporting my daughter and physically i have a back injury that has been made worse through all the trips.
So what do I do? I cant get an appointment at CAB for a few weeks.
At a time when i want to be celebrating that my daughter is well,I am torn inside worrying about the real practicalities of money.:(
i did apply for a crisis loan but the DWP refused it saying they "would not pay for debt" and this was not a risk to anyones life or health. arghhhh
I am on a full wage of £700 a month and working family/tax credits.
So Ive told you my woes and if anyone can point me in the right direction I,d appreciate it.
Many thanks xx
Lesley.......(lets out a big sigh at reading about her madworld!):eek:

[Deleted User]

Hi and welcome,you must both be relieved at the good news...
As your daughter is now out of danger wont you be able to return to work now?As for your daughter and work once the job has finished she should get a sick note from her gp along the lines of not being fit for work due to recovering,this is then sent into the job centre,they will see if she qualifies for incapacity,she wont unless shes worked full time for 2 years,therefore she will get income support,it wont be alot(assuming shes over 18 but under 25)but will be around £40 per week

Zara33

edinburgh_lesley wrote: »

GOOD NEWS< as of yesterday -result of MRI and ultrasound scan-
HER TUMOUR IS GONE !!

I cannot give you any advice whatsoever but i just wanted to wish you both well since getting your good news.

edinburgh_lesley

Hi there,Thankyou for your good wishes xx
She is only 17 and hasnt paid much Nat ins contributions,so that affects things i was told.
As for me , My job is very stressful and I know I could not deal with teenagers with behavioural problems right now. Will be back to work soon though .Even if its just for my sanity.lol.Doc still signing me off sick as there are other issues(too private to go into on here)
.Just wondered if i go onto half pay do i get a different tax credits amount?etc.
thankyou
nite
lesley x

Zara33

lesley,
Bear with me whilst i try to remember a few things...just recently my sister had secondary cancer which resulted in cancer in the brain she wasn't so lucky

Although your daughter has been given good news there will be so much still to be done...i suspect your daughter could possibly apply for DLA as this condition will affect her for a few months to come. If she is successful you could apply for carer's allowance to help her recover, you will also still be able to work as long as you don't go over the £95 pw, also your tax credits could change if your daughter gets DLA.

The best thing would be to contact the Macmillian nurses they will help with filling in the DLA forms, they are fantastic. I don't know if this is of any help to you i did kinda read your post and run but things are atill a bit raw regarding cancer.
Best of luck x