Advice on what to put in for benefits wise please

Fellpony_2

I was wondering if there was anything we could claim towards help with our predicament.

DD (just turned 4 years old) has been diagnosed with cancer.
We have to travel once a week for treatment (2 hour drive to the cancer hospital)
and sometimes more often if she needs emergency treatment. (We have just come out of hospital after a 4 night visit which was just meant to be for blood tests)

OH earns 40k per year and I have no income apart from the child benefit of £20 per week.

Suggestions would be gratefully recieved.

McKneff

DLA could be an option.
And I'm sorry to hear about your little girl.
Will she be okay.

welshmoneylover

Just want to say that I'm sorry to hear about your daughter, it must have been a dreadful shock to you both.

I hope she makes a 100% recovery x

webtalk

Try for Disability Living Allowance (DLA). IT isn't means tested.

As the nurses if they can refer you to a charity to help you fill out the form - they'll be experienced and know what to put down.

Once she gets DLA then try to claim Carers Allowance (in your name).

I'm really sorry to hear about your daughter.

gre20863

DLA on 0845 7123456

thorsoak

I'm so sorry to read about your daughter - I do hope that her treatment is successful and that she recovers quickly.

Have you thought about asking any of the children's cancer charities for help? They can provide emotional as well as some financial support - and also will have first hand experience of what you are going through.

Here are a few websites for you :-

www.clicsargent.org.uk
https://www.cancerhelp.org.uk
https://www.cancerbackup.org.uk
www.moment-um.org

Hope this is of some help.

Fellpony_2

Thanks for your helpful replies.

I have applied for DLA, a wonderful confusing form, but the nurses at the hospital helped me fill it in. So will wait and see the outcome.

Many thanks again

Jen

LizzieS_2

Nothing to add that hasn't already been suggested.

Just wanted to say, hope everything goes well & your daughter recovers quickly.

kingfisherblue

Hope your daughter is ok. This isn't a benefit, but have you tried the Family Fund? (I can't post links, but if you google, it should come up). They are a fund based in York, partially funded by the Department of Health. They can help with a variety of items, subject to meeting the qualifying criteria (including income).

When my son was a baby, we needed to attend hospital and clinic appointments at least weekly, sometimes more. The Family Fund gave us a cash amount to cover petrol expenses. They also provide other items that can help families who are affected by a child's disability or severe illness. These include driving lessons (if a car is available for use), holidays, bedding, washing machine, fridge/freezer, clothing. The list isn't endless, but if there is something that you need (and it isn't on their list of exclusions), they will consider each application individually.

Also, you might want to apply to your council for a Blue Badge. Most (all?) councils will provide one for anybody on Higher Rate Mobility (part of DLA), but other councils will look at each case individually. Where I live, there are some people without HRM who have a blue badge (my ex mum-in-law is one - she is too old for HRM, but had a medical and received her blue badge within a week).

Your child's school might allow you to park on the staff carpark instead of outside on the road, especially if she is tired from treatment. My son's school wouldn't allow us to use the disabled parking space, but I know other schools do allow this.

Check to see if there is a Carer's centre near you - invaluable for advice, support, advocacy, and just for a friendly face and a cup of coffee when you are feeling down. My Care's centre also offers training, aromatherapy massages, and is currently helping parents with the new 'Short Breaks Agenda' which entitles children and their parents to short breaks (not necessarily holidays).

I hope that you and your family are doing ok. It will be a difficult time for you. take care.

[Deleted User]

I dont like to ask this,but has the cancer been diagnosed as terminal?I only ask because if so then you can apply for DLA under special rules,which makes the process quicker and easier.
I do hope its not terminal and that she makes a full recovery and that as a family you find a way to deal with this,it must be truly awful.

Glyndwr_2

Sorry to hear about your daughter. You may well find that the hospital has exemptions / concessions for parking for people receiving chemo / requiring regular trips/visits. Ask at on the ward, cashiers desk, or try the hospital website.
You may also find that the hospital has accomodation available for those who have to travel long distances or have ill children.
Do they have a Macmillan/Marie Curie nurse who can help you with the practical side of thing? Macmillan also have a benefits helpline (0800 500 800 M-F 9am - 8pm).
Do they have any support group for parents in similar situations at the hospital?
Do you have any other children to consider as well?
If you are on a means tested benefit don't forget to claim your travel costs.