Additional benefits for terminal cancer patient?

Gemstar30

Hello,

You are never to old to learn something new!
My mum died in 2004 from secondary liver cancer following breast cancer. Yes she had a nurse see her at home every week. From date of diagnosis of breast cancer to death was 5 months.
I can honestly say that no one suggested that she could claim anything. In fact they were so careful with money that she used to go on the bus to her appointments at the hospital - over an hour each way. They saw taxis as an extravagence!
In fact before her death my dad took her to Scotland as she had always wanted to see the mountains. They went by bus - yes by bus! and stayed at a rather cheap run down B&B!! On her arrival back home after the week she had a chill with the lack of warmth in the hotel room and hours on public transport (Preston - Fort William)
Despite having a substantial retirement income and capital, they would always use the bus as they had free passes.
Anyhow back to the point of this. It may be the case now, but then it seems that very little was offered in support.

It's generally the case that you learn about these payments and other help available after the event, normally after death.
As it is now 6 years ago I would doubt that they will pay on a retrospective claim for AA.

Mojisola

Gemstar - that's so sad. My relative has been struggling on very low money and he now suddenly has an extra £70 a week which has taken away a lot of the worries about getting to hospital, keeping the heating on, etc.

mickbhall

Best thing to do is see macmillan they even fill all the forms in for you.

Oldernotwiser

Mojisola wrote: »

I've recently done an application for AA under the special rules for a relative and it's very, very easy. You don't have to answer loads of questions about the health of the person, just practical answers like name, address, NI number, etc. The sooner the application goes in, the sooner they will get the extra money.

I agree and they're not too stringent on the 6 month thing - my father had it back dated for 9 months!

joyciebird

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

I agree and they're not too stringent on the 6 month thing - my father had it back dated for 9 months!

When a claim is made because a person has a terminal illness the qualifying period is not applied, nor is the prospective test

Oldernotwiser

joyciebird wrote: »

When a claim is made because a person has a terminal illness the qualifying period is not applied, nor is the prospective test

The 6 month period I referred to is the expectation that the claimant has less than 6 months to live.

Mojisola

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

The 6 month period I referred to is the expectation that the claimant has less than 6 months to live.

Also worth noting that it doesn't matter if the person lives for more than six months after getting AA under the special rules, the benefit will continue.

oldestrocker

thorsoak wrote: »

Sadly, a friend has been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer - although I'm not sure what length of time he has left.

He is retired, owns his own house (no mortgage) but no savings either. He has a small co pension of around £200 per month, plus usual retirement pension of £590 per 4 weeks & his wife gets £290 per 4 weeks (on his contributions). He also gets pension credit of about £25 per week. They also have council tax rebate.

I think he will be entitled to Attendance allowance as he is over 65 and in receipt of state pension - and maybe his wife can get a carer's element on the pension credit - am i correct? I don't want to give them any false information.

I have only just noticed your post. Oh I am so sorry that this has happened.
I lost my mum to cancer, and throughout all of her suffering, we never knew that she could claim anything for it.
On another note, I fully understand how this disease can affect you - I am personally one step away from where your friend is now and dread each twinge, CT scan and blood test! I know the day will come but hopefully not quite yet.

I presume your friend has the very best of medical intervention.
They are at the moment setting up regional centres for pancreatic problems. It is a very rare condition, and with the right care, it need not be as bad as some people think.

If you don't know about this - have a look at this link and especially the forum. There are a lot of people who can offer advice and help.
I personally am under one of the leading oncology surgeons in the UK which I found about through that site.
http://www.pancreatitis.org.uk/

Good luck

joyciebird

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

The 6 month period I referred to is the expectation that the claimant has less than 6 months to live.

Sorry, when you mentioned backdating in the same sentence I presumed (obviously incorrectly) you were referring to the prospective test

thorsoak

Its ironic that I first posted this for a friend on 14th November - my own OH was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer just two weeks ago:(