How to start claiming benefit for 62 year old new cancer sufferer?

Nail_Lad

My father is aged 62 and a builder still working on the tools to support himself and his wife. He has recently been suffering pain at the top of his back and CT scan last week and chat with the consultant this week makes it look like its terminal and he has lung cancer. A biopsy will be performed next week so we'll know more then.

However, in the short term having worked all his life he now has no money coming and is unsure as to what to do next. Can anybody help with regards to what he can maybe do next to get some financial support?

All replies gratefully received.

Thanks

bunny999

He should claim ESA.

sunnyone

Nail_Lad wrote: »

My father is aged 62 and a builder still working on the tools to support himself and his wife. He has recently been suffering pain at the top of his back and CT scan last week and chat with the consultant this week makes it look like its terminal and he has lung cancer. A biopsy will be performed next week so we'll know more then.

However, in the short term having worked all his life he now has no money coming and is unsure as to what to do next. Can anybody help with regards to what he can maybe do next to get some financial support?

All replies gratefully received.

Thanks

He can claim DLA if he has care or mobility issues or if he sadly will pass in the next six months he can claim under the special rules which will mean hes fast tracked and he his claim should be delt with in 14 days or so (thats the time frame
we were given when my aunt was terminal)

As the previous poster said he should claim ESA, another poster will be along soon who might have more information because I dont know the rules for pension credit but it may be an option.

SnowMan

Hi Nail Lad

Sorry to hear that.

Worth checking if there is a Macmillan welfare benefits specialist in the area who can provide free help see this page of the Macmillan website which relates to England (you can click on Scotland, Wales, NI at the top if need be)

We have a Macmillan specialist working in the CAB bureau where I volunteer, available to anyone with cancer or caring for someone with cancer. They do most of the work claiming the benefits so the person with cancer or caring for someone with cancer can get on with dealing with other issues.

If it is terminal then your father may automatically meet the qualifying rules for DLA (edit sunnyone has beaten me to that) see this page of the CAB website adviceguide.

Good luck and best wishes

krisskross

What about retiring and claiming pension credit plus DLA.

dizzybuff

Have a word with the macmillan specialist nurse , they will help you claim what he is entitled to whilst he gets on with living the rest of his days fruitfilly ...
My MIL would not have known half the benefits she was entitled to if it wasnt for this vital but little known resource.

Diz xxx