SSP to ESA - Cancer treatment

catzooo

I am having treatment for breast cancer. Been off work since last October. Had 6 months of chemo. Just had mastectomy. I start radiotherapy on Monday - daily for 4 weeks. I am also having herceptin til the end of the year - given every 3 weeks intravenous into a permanent line in my arm.
I have been getting basic SSP from work which has now run out after 28 weeks.
I phoned benefits ppl this morning, 45 minutes on the phone, they will send me out form to check over and I must then post in my GP sick notes.
You hear such horror stories in the news about ppl having to go for ATOS medical and being refused benefit.
How do I stand on this when currently still? Wll I have to attend ATOS medical?
I do have a job to return to, hopefully later in the year.

pmlindyloo

catzooo wrote: »

I am having treatment for breast cancer. Been off work since last October. Had 6 months of chemo. Just had mastectomy. I start radiotherapy on Monday - daily for 4 weeks. I am also having herceptin til the end of the year - given every 3 weeks intravenous into a permanent line in my arm.
I have been getting basic SSP from work which has now run out after 28 weeks.
I phoned benefits ppl this morning, 45 minutes on the phone, they will send me out form to check over and I must then post in my GP sick notes.
You hear such horror stories in the news about ppl having to go for ATOS medical and being refused benefit.
How do I stand on this when currently still? Wll I have to attend ATOS medical?
I do have a job to return to, hopefully later in the year.

According to this:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/@disabled/documents/digitalasset/dg_177366.pdf

you would come under the 'Special Circumstances' and be placed into the Support group. You probably will not be required to have a medical.

Hope your treatment goes well.

skibadee

I couldn't just read and not comment. I was diagnosed with breast cancer 9 years ago, had WLE, chemo, Rads., and 5 years on Tamoxifen.

You may be able to get help from the information centre at your Oncology Unit, or if you have a Maggies Centre near you they are very helpful.

As has been said you should come under 'Special Circumstances'

I wish you well with the your surgery and further treatment, you will see the light at the end of the tunnel soon.