extra heating allowance for cancer sufferers?

trailingspouse

My brother-in-law is undergoing chemo for cancer at the moment. All is fine, and the side-effects haven't been too bad so far, apart from the fact that he feels cold all the time. I've heard that it might be possible for him to get help with his heating bills? Does anyone know if this is the case, and if so how would he go about applying for it? Is it means tested ? (If it is, I would imagine they wouldn't qualify, but no harm in asking).

Dunroamin

He should be claiming DLA to cover the extra costs involved.

[Deleted User]

depending on the benefits he receives he may qualify for the warm home discount scheme,see the sticky at top of this forum

rogerblack

To expand on the warm home discount answer - if you are in the income-based support group of ESA, or in the work-related group, he would qualify.

However, if his wife is earning, he may not qualify for income-based ESA, so will not come under this scheme.
(If her earnings are over perhaps 120/week)

taxi73

I am a cancer sufferer too and am contribution based support group ESA and haven't come across anything to help us with our heating bills even on the energy schemes through energy suppliers.
I haven't even claimed for DLA even though these are recurrences and I can't do a lot for myself as it's scares the crap out of me applying for it

[Deleted User]

taxi73 wrote: »

I am a cancer sufferer too and am contribution based support group ESA and haven't come across anything to help us with our heating bills even on the energy schemes through energy suppliers.
I haven't even claimed for DLA even though these are recurrences and I can't do a lot for myself as it's scares the crap out of me applying for it

if you have care and or mobility issues then claim DLA,get some help with the forms,perhaps from one of the cancer charities,welfare rights or cab

jackieb

Ask Macmillan. Even if you don't get any benefits you might get something from Macmillan. It might be dependant on how much you have in the bank - I can't remember. I have the amount of under £10000 in my head for some reason.

jackieb

Charity grants
A number of charities, including Macmillan, provide grants for people who are having difficulty paying their fuel costs or meeting other expenses.

To find out more about Macmillan Grants, visit our grants section or call our cancer support specialists on 0808 808 00 00.

My Mum got one 4 years ago, and my Dad got one earlier this year. It was Macmillan that suggested it and sorted it out both times. Allthough, when my Dad got it they said that they had to cut back the amounts given. I think my Mum got around £500 and Dad got about half of that.

taxi73

thanks for the quick replies..when I first got cancer 2 1/2 years ago I got a grant from Macmillan and only applied for ESA as thought I could beat the cancer unfortunately it's back again and I'm back on chemo...as they can't operate or give radiotherapy as it crosses the field of the last lot of radiotherapy.
I do have mobility and care needs and have done for a long time.I have osteo arthritis,scoliosis,lymphodema...my daughter and husband have to do the shopping,cleaning,housework and cooking as I can only stand for a few minutes before the pain is excruciating...I have to use a bath lift for the bath and my daughter husband has to be with me.I can't put my arms behind my back to put my bra on nor bend to dress my bottom half...in the next few weeks I'll not be able to fasten buttons etc as this chemo gives peripheral neuropathy along with sickness,baldness,fatigue etc etc.
Do you think it may be worth applying?
I may give Macmillan a call tomorrow

rogerblack

taxi73 wrote: »

Do you think it may be worth applying?
I may give Macmillan a call tomorrow

On a quick skim of the symptoms, yes, there is certainly an argument for a DLA award.
What level is a different question.

jackieb

Taxi, I definitely think it's worth it. I think it would also be worth applying for DLA. They might help you with the form as well, or send someone to you. Someone from the DWP came to help my parents with a claim for attendance and carer's allowance (they were too old to claim DLA).