off work with breast cancer what can i claim help!!

fairydiamond

I see where you are coming from, oldernotwiser, but it affects people differently, not just physical but mentally aswell.

People shouldn't be forced back to work so quickly. My fiance had to go back to work after 4 weeks after his operation because he couldn't get any help from his employer. This was torture for him, he needed to rest, but he also needed his wages.

Obviously people shouldn't take the mick with help/benefits, but people shouldn't have to just survive on their own.

Oldernotwiser

fairydiamond wrote: »

I see where you are coming from, oldernotwiser, but it affects people differently, not just physical but mentally aswell.

People shouldn't be forced back to work so quickly. My fiance had to go back to work after 4 weeks after his operation because he couldn't get any help from his employer. This was torture for him, he needed to rest, but he also needed his wages.

Obviously people shouldn't take the mick with help/benefits, but people shouldn't have to just survive on their own.

In that case he would be able to claim Incapacity Benefit (now ESA), which would be completely appropriate in that situation. However, we were discussing DLA, which has a completely different function and qualifying criteria.

sunnyone

We have a family friend who had breast cancer and she gets DLA, she has the most terrible radiation burns which will never heal but some people have scars and no other long term problems.

All cases are diffrent and if in doubt ask, you wont get DLA if you are not eligable for it.

For ESA (after your ssp runs out) you may be one of the of lucky ones in the support group, you can post again if you need help with ESA, when the time comes.

My thoughts are with you and your children.

sunnyone

James123_2

From my own experience of people with cancer they are generally quite reluctant to put in claims for benefits such as DLA. I just didn't want the original poster to be put off if her circumstances were appropriate. Cancer is an entirely unpredictable disease and, according to my Macmillan nurses, this in itself is generally recognised by DLA assessors when looking at claims.

banana

I too was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer which spread to lymph nodes.This sort of spread needs a lot of chemotherapy and radiotherapy to accompany major surgery.It is not an easy path to take.
It is not the same for every diagnosis of breast cancer.Some only need a small operation or radiotherapy which, although devastating at the time, has no long lasting physical effects on the woman (mental affects though may still be cause for concern) .Others have ongoing and prolonged treatments which change a womans' life forever.

I would always advise an application for esa and hb/ctb straight away .A call to tax credits to check on change of circumstances is also advisable.

As far as I know as claim for DLA will not be considered unless the disability has been ongoing for 3 months and is likely to continue for at least another 3 months.However I would still put in a claim if only for the practice. Each dla claim should be completed on the basis of 'worst day' scenario rather than the best day.

Macmillan nurses are generally the best help in filling in forms etc. They know what to write /what phrases to use.But if you are union member please take time to contact the benevolent arm of the union.They exist to provide help in these circumstances and are under used.

Best wishes Guardian- you will need it in the coming months but you will get through this .

Ps Please also look at https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk and http://bcpals.org.uk/forums/viewforum.php?f=16 for adbise from other women in the same situation as you

di3004

Hi there

Just to say, was reading your post and so sorry to hear of your situation, hope you get a good outcome at the end, all the best to you hunni.:A

I see the posters here have been very helpful in giving you the best info and advice in regards of the finance side of things, good luck with these.

I also want to say, a few years ago both my mum and one of my youngest sister's then had breast cancer the same time, the one in the same gradings as yourself and have come through this very well, they both have, they were diagnosed 3 months of each other, then 3 months after again my father was diagnosed with prostrate cancer, he also come through this with a good result.
Its amazing what they can do these days.

I wish you the very best, and if you can please keep us posted on your matters, hope things for very smoothly for you.:A;)XXX

Oldernotwiser

banana wrote: »

Each dla claim should be completed on the basis of 'worst day' scenario rather than the best day.

That is very bad advice for anybody applying for a benefit like this. It's misguided and can amount to a fraudulent application!

banana

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

That is very bad advice for anybody applying for a benefit like this. It's misguided and can amount to a fraudulent application!

How exactly is it bad advice to fill in a form based on worst days? Disability Living allowance is not awarded to healthy people.

It isn't 'fraud' - you shouldn't make out things are worse than they are though - that would be fraud.
The forms are very confusing to a lot of people and many people are ashamed to admit how bad things are.
If you have 'worst days' most of the time and, only rarely have a 'better than worst' day, then, your 'worst days' are 'average' days.

skipsmum

Hi, can't really help with the benefits advice, but wanted to say I had stage 3 breast cancer 3 years ago, and had radio, chemo and a masectomy, and am here, fit and well. I still get tired easily but there is life after cancer and it is beatable even if things look bad for a while.

Btw I got IB while I was off sick, but never applied for DLA.
Lots of love and hugs,
Skipsmum

Oldernotwiser

banana wrote: »

How exactly is it bad advice to fill in a form based on worst days? Disability Living allowance is not awarded to healthy people.

It isn't 'fraud' - you shouldn't make out things are worse than they are though - that would be fraud.
The forms are very confusing to a lot of people and many people are ashamed to admit how bad things are.
If you have 'worst days' most of the time and, only rarely have a 'better than worst' day, then, your 'worst days' are 'average' days.

If you fill in a form stating that your worst days are normal then that is untrue, as you say, that would be making out that things are worst than they are. You need to describe how things actually are, at different times.

Your last statement is totally illogical.