ESA question

betterlatethannever

Hi
December 2010 i was in reciept of JSA- then, late Dec i was diagnosed with Breast cancer:eek:. The JC said i would go on ESA then 13 weeks later would attend a medical.

Now, my question is- i've never been called for this medical (i make it i've been on ESA approx 16 weeks) also, my last 3 payments have been different.
All payments upto 6 weeks ago were £130, then one payment two weeks ago of £162 then this weeks payment of £193.

I've looked at the website but i can't seem to match these last two figures.

I did read somewhere, that when recieving Chemo/Radiotherapy, you are automatically put into the support group?
Does this mean i don't have to have a medical as i thought everyone had to?
Thanks in advance

Katykat

Hi BLTN, yes, I think you are correct about the chemo, you should automatically qualify without a medical. I think your new amounts are because you were put into the support group part way through a 2 week payment period and the 2nd higher figuire could be ( ?) because ESA has just been increased. My best wishes for your recovery. I'm sure there must be other benefits that you might be able to claim. Have a look at the directGov website and do a search.

SadieO

Betterlatethannever, sorry about the BC. I have it too and what a **** club to be in

Sorry if it is bad form to recommend a different website but I was wondering if you have been on the Breast Cancer Care website forums? There are lots of knowledgable peeps on there and you can talk to others about ESA issues as well as lots of support for everything else the BC entails.

Very best wishes for your treatment and recovery :grouphug:

betterlatethannever

Sadieo- thank you for your reply. I'm sorry your going through this too.

I've avoided the C word sites in the hope that if i don't see it then it ain't there

Looking into things further, Katykat seems to have been correct in her info.

I would never have thought of looking there for help with finance though- maybe its time i strayed from the norm.

Thanks for your help- and good luck with your future care.:A

FleurDuLys

I just wanted to say good luck to both of you, I'm another one who's currently fighting this damn disease. I was also diagnosed in December, and I've found my Macmillan nurse to be extremely helpful regarding financial stuff.

Hugs to you both xx

JS477

Oral chemotherapy doesn't automatically place one in Support Group just the intravenous form. Harrington will be looking at this for his next report on the WCA.

sunnyone

JS477 wrote: »

Oral chemotherapy doesn't automatically place one in Support Group just the intravenous form. Harrington will be looking at this for his next report on the WCA.

If it did everyone with RA etc. on DMARDs would automatically be put in the support group and the DWP would never, ever allow that.

bertiebat

JS477 wrote: »

Oral chemotherapy doesn't automatically place one in Support Group just the intravenous form. Harrington will be looking at this for his next report on the WCA.

The initial chemos used in breast cancer treatment are almost always of the intravenous sort, so the OP is probably correct in her reasoning in qualifying for the support group automatically and not requiring a medical.

betterlatethannever I'd also like to wish you good luck with your treatments and recovery. Been there myself and still here 6 years later!

betterlatethannever

Thanks for the help- and kind words :A
I'm now worried because i haven't had any chemo at all, nor will i be having.

I'm currently having radiotherapy though- so does that automatically put you in the support group?

pwales_2

dont know about the esa bit but i hope you all the best and a speedy recovery:beer:

poly1

Hi, maybe THIS from maggies might help explain it a bit? I am just as confused to be honest. I also was diagnosed in december too, and when my SSP and WTC end all I can claim is ESA. I don't know where you are but maybe if you drop into your local macmillan centre (alot of hospitals have them) they may be able to help. Wishing you all the best HTH