Terminal brain tumour - DLA/PIPs

AlisonHarrison

A friend has been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour. I am not sure how long he has. Will find out on Friday.
I am not sure what his care needs are but he needs someone with him all the time.
He cannot walk very far (if at all)
I believe under the old system of DLA he would get HRM and HRC. (is that right?)
Is the system more or less the same for PIPs.
Do you have to have actual care needs if you are terminal? I think he probably does because he cannot be left. But was just wondering.

MrsBigDog

Hi Alison, unfortunately I have very recent experience of this situation, as my lovely mum was diagnosed with GBM grade 4 brain tumour 14 months ago. I can help you with the benefits side of things and also the practical side. Please pm me if you prefer( as per my sig I have been a long time member of MSE but due to not logging in for an awful long time, have lost my log ins so had to re register). It really is the most horrendous illness and unfortunately there is no magic cure or happy outcome. My mum sadly passed away on 4th November and it is her funeral this Friday. My only comfort is knowing she is no longer suffering :A.

HB58

Alison and MrsBigDog,my thoughts are with you both.

Like DLA, PIP claims are expedited for people who are have a reasonable expectation of not being with us for more than 6 months. They are automatically eligible.

ESA is an income-related benefit. Your friend would be entitled to it if he paid NI in the tax years 2011/12 (I think!) or if he has a low household income with little savings.

The hospital should have a social worker who can help with this kind of thing. A care package should also be arranged before he is discharged and any aids needed should be put in place.

When_the_going_gets_tough

The crucial document to speed up/improve the level of benefits is a DS1500 which has to be completed by a medical person - not always a doctor - sometimes nurses complete them. If you have a MacMillan benefits service near you - check the MacMillan website for services in your area they will be able to talk you through the system.

MrsBigDog

When_the_going_gets_tough wrote: »

The crucial document to speed up/improve the level of benefits is a DS1500 which has to be completed by a medical person - not always a doctor - sometimes nurses complete them. If you have a MacMillan benefits service near you - check the McMillan website for services in your area they will be able to talk you through the system.

I would like to echo the above post, MacMillan were brilliant, not just with my mum but the whole family. My mum was lucky to have a benefits appointment with MacMillan at the hospital she had her op and because she was diagnosed as terminal the claim for PIP was fast tracked(it only took about 2 weeks), even though this was when the DLA - PIP transition was in progress. Your friend may be entitled to a blue badge as well, so that is worth looking into, especially if there are going to be numerous hospital appointments. I'm truly sorry your friend has a brain tumour, I would not like to see anyone go through what my mum did. Sending hugs :grouphug:

AlisonHarrison

Many thanks for these replies. We will find out tomorrow whether the tumour was benign or not (probably not) Its absolutely awful. Two young children.
Do you actually have to have care needs to claim PIPs for care if you are terminally ill?

HB58

AlisonHarrison wrote: »

Many thanks for these replies.
Do you actually have to have care needs to claim PIPs for care if you are terminally ill?

No, I don't think so.

MrsBigDog

AlisonHarrison wrote: »

Many thanks for these replies. We will find out tomorrow whether the tumour was benign or not (probably not) Its absolutely awful. Two young children.
Do you actually have to have care needs to claim PIPs for care if you are terminally ill?

I just wanted to let you and your friend know I am thinking of you both today. :grouphug:

AlisonHarrison

Many thanks for the good wishes.
Have recently been told my own husband has cancer so this is just bringing it all into the fore.
About two years before my mum died of a heart attack we were told that she had a brain tumour. They gave her steroids to reduce it. Then they did a scan and we were told it wasn't! Can you believe it.
It was terrible.

HB58

Goodness, you really are going through the mill at the moment, aren't you Alison? :grouphug:

Mojisola

AlisonHarrison wrote: »

I am not sure what his care needs are but he needs someone with him all the time.

AlisonHarrison wrote: »

Do you actually have to have care needs to claim PIPs for care if you are terminally ill?

Needing someone with you to keep you safe is a care need.

I had to claim benefits for a relative using a DS1500 form - it all went through very quickly.