inkypinkyponky

inkypinkyponky

Can anyone enlighten me,l was diagnosed with terminal Lung Cancer four years ago,been on benefits since,unable to work due to breathing probs,but the treatment has worked,even though my breathing is not too good,although have been on benefits,my consultant says if l am still here after five years then l may be banished never to return Thank God,but how would l be classed from then would l still be entitled to benefits if so what will or should l get?

Oldernotwiser

Congratulations on the good news and long may it continue.

If you're under retirement age then you'll move onto means tested JSA, assessed on whether you live with someone who's working and whether you have any savings.

inkypinkyponky

Thanks for that Oldernotwiser and also the well wishes,but that doesn't really make me feel any better,am coping okay on benefits just now but what does means tested JSA mean or entail? l am almost 58 years old and live alone,with a small savings account.

Oldernotwiser

inkypinkyponky wrote: »

Thanks for that Oldernotwiser and also the well wishes,but that doesn't really make me feel any better,am coping okay on benefits just now but what does means tested JSA mean or entail? l am almost 58 years old and live alone,with a small savings account.

Means tested JSA is about £64 per week and you would have to sign on fortnightly whilst looking for a job. If your savings are over £16,000 you won't be eligible and if they're between £6,000 and £16,000 the amount will be reduced - this is the case with LHA/HB/CTB as well.

When you are £60, you'll be able to claim Pension Credit if you're not working.

loobyloo0302

Hi inkypinky. This may not be of use to ytou as I don't lnow your person circumstances but here goes.

My dad was diagnosed with lung cancer and so he took early retirement and began receiving a private pension that he had paid into whilst working. This left him better iff than he had been before as odd as it sounds, lol, but obviously this all depends on whether you have done the same?

I'm very glad to read that your on the mend and really hope it remains that way! Unfortunately,it got the better of my dad - mainly due to the doctor diagnosing him with a throat infection when he first lost his voice, but we won't go into all that, I'm just glad to see it doesn't win everytime

inkypinkyponky

Thanks Looby for that info,dont understand all this benefit system carryon,was retired from my previous job through ill health,so only get a very small pension,was only there ,five years.So sorry to hear your dad passed away with this god forsaken desease,its just so unjust,but touch wood l am one of the very lucky ones and that l am soooooo grateful for.Thanks again x

inkypinkyponky

Thanks for that Olderbutnotwiser,but not familiar with the letters LHA/HB/CTB ?? INKY

seven-day-weekend

JSA is Jobseekers' Allowance, there are two types, you would have to apply for Income-based which is assessed on your income and savings. If you are granted this, you will have to look for a job; however, you will have your rent and Council Tax paid whilst you are looking. (LHA= Local Housing Allowance, HB= Housing Benefit, CTB= Council Tax Benefit).

However, even if your consultant discharges you, your GP may still say you are unable to work, in which case you would continue to claim the Benefits I assume you are already on.

Congratulations on the improvement in your health.

Oldernotwiser

Rereading your op, I just wanted to check whether I'm reading this right. Is it that you've been off for four years and the consultant has said that after your five year check you'll be considered cured? If so, how close would that take you to your 60th birthday?

Mojisola

inkypinkyponky wrote: »

Can anyone enlighten me,l was diagnosed with terminal Lung Cancer four years ago,been on benefits since,unable to work due to breathing probs,but the treatment has worked,even though my breathing is not too good,although have been on benefits,my consultant says if l am still here after five years then l may be banished never to return Thank God,but how would l be classed from then would l still be entitled to benefits if so what will or should l get?

If your breathing is still causing you problems, you may stay on health benefits even though you are not under active treatment for cancer. Talk to the Welfare Advisors at your council and see whether you will still be entitled to claim.

Congratulations on still being here!

Indie_Kid

Are you still unable to work?