UPDATE: My partner has a brain aneurysm AND NOW DIAGNOSED WITH COPD - please help

Nice_Username

Hi I wonder if anybody could offer advice - my partner of 7 years has recently been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm having had brain scans following a couple of seizures. I have already make a brief telephone enquiry about Disability Allowance and I have received the forms but the woman on the helpline seemed doubtful that she would be entitled to claim as she does not really need any kind of constant supervision. Basically the consultant has told her to make sure she keeps her life as stress-free as possible and not to over-work herself. Her GP has even offered to sign her off work for as long as she wants (we are still waiting to hear if it will require surgery) but she declined as she would rather be at work to take her mind off of things.

Is there any other benefits that she may be entitled to?

Many thanks.

UPDATE ON POST 8

NASA_2

ESA is the only thing (Apart from DLA) that she could be entitled to as far as I know. The claim can usually be made over the phone.

Nice_Username

NASA wrote: »

ESA is the only thing (Apart from DLA) that she could be entitled to as far as I know. The claim can usually be made over the phone.

Thanks. What does ESA stand for?

System

Nice_Username wrote: »

Thanks. What does ESA stand for?

Employment and Support Allowence, but this can't be claimed whilst in work

NASA_2

xXMessedUpXx wrote: »

Employment and Support Allowence, but this can't be claimed whilst in work

Yes it can. It cant be claimed if SSP is payable but thats not the same thing.

[Deleted User]

if your partner has care and/or mobility needs then dla can be claimed(it can be paid as in or out of work benefit),its not just as the person told you about constant supervision,although needing supervision does count if that is whats needed.
It might be worth applying for dla,get the forms then seek help from cab or welfare rights filling them in.
there is also lots of advice on dla all over the internet.
Just another thought:are the seizures ongoing?they would definitely be a qualifying factor for dla

Nice_Username

woodbine wrote: »

if your partner has care and/or mobility needs then dla can be claimed(it can be paid as in or out of work benefit),its not just as the person told you about constant supervision,although needing supervision does count if that is whats needed.
It might be worth applying for dla,get the forms then seek help from cab or welfare rights filling them in.
there is also lots of advice on dla all over the internet.
Just another thought:are the seizures ongoing?they would definitely be a qualifying factor for dla

Well, she's only had 2 ever, one in about July (which they put down to a random one-off) and another in November, following which some scans revealed an aneurysm in the right side of he brain. She has suffered from severe headaches and migraines for years and often has to come home from work (she is a part-time teacher working 15 hours per week, but only paid for 8 months of the year - don't know if this affects any benefits). So I guess the answer is no, they are not regular, but she often suffers headaches which may or may not be a symptom of the aneurysm. Mobility-wise she is fine.

Nice_Username

UPDATE: My partner has now been diagnosed with COPD.

Does anybody have any advice regarding support groups, and whether this entitles her to a blue badge, financial assistance etc? This has come as a real shock, she has been wheezing a lot lately but they always thought it was asthma, now we have learned it is COPD which is irreversible.

Indie_Kid

The blue badge is (like financial help) based on her needs and not the name of her condition. You need to contact the council about this.

missmontana

http://www.emphysema-copd.co.uk/14.html

There's quite alot on the internet with regards to help and support.

[Deleted User]

Nice_Username wrote: »

UPDATE: My partner has now been diagnosed with COPD.

Does anybody have any advice regarding support groups, and whether this entitles her to a blue badge, financial assistance etc? This has come as a real shock, she has been wheezing a lot lately but they always thought it was asthma, now we have learned it is COPD which is irreversible.

It may not be reversible but it is usually treatable,so unless the inhalers dont work i doubt any benefits would be avaliable