Benefits Advice

merlin68

Its worth having an occupational therapist come out, mind you. Mine has got so much done for me. Even a stair lift as i have severe copd. The council have had to do all sorts of adaptions at her say so.
Disabled persons rail card, cinema card. Most places let carer go in free.
Toilet key for disabled loo. If i think of anything else. I will shout.

benniebert

TrainGeek1808 wrote: »

I was diagnosed on 3 March with a life limiting illness. I finished work on 13 February, went in to hospital on 16 February and out on 23 February.

I'm not prying but interested in some of your comments.
I understand what a life limiting illness is, but in your case is it cancer?


I only ask because you mentioned McMillan and the help they have given you regarding benefits advice. I understood that only cancer patients are entitled to receive this fantastic service.


In my case whilst cancer has been ruled out at the moment, I too have a life limiting illness. When I approached McMillan years ago they refused to offer me any help because of the lack of a cancer diagnosis.


Hope you can understand where I am coming from.

TrainGeek1808

merlin68 wrote: »

Its worth having an occupational therapist come out, mind you. Mine has got so much done for me. Even a stair lift as i have severe copd. The council have had to do all sorts of adaptions at her say so.
Disabled persons rail card, cinema card. Most places let carer go in free.
Toilet key for disabled loo. If i think of anything else. I will shout.

Thanks

I'll have a think about an OT; that's who we had for my wife.

My wife has a disabled railcard and a RADAR key so we're covered there.

Thank you - look forward to hearing from you if you do think of anything else

TrainGeek

TrainGeek1808

benniebert wrote: »

I'm not prying but interested in some of your comments.
I understand what a life limiting illness is, but in your case is it cancer?


I only ask because you mentioned McMillan and the help they have given you regarding benefits advice. I understood that only cancer patients are entitled to receive this fantastic service.


In my case whilst cancer has been ruled out at the moment, I too have a life limiting illness. When I approached McMillan years ago they refused to offer me any help because of the lack of a cancer diagnosis.


Hope you can understand where I am coming from.

Yes it is cancer. Must admit I'm not sure on their rules.

Does your condition not have a similar charity? Failing that there's always Citizens Advice for benefits advice - but can't tell if you are looking for care, etc from them?

Thanks

TrainGeek

nannytone_2

benniebert wrote: »

I'm not prying but interested in some of your comments.
I understand what a life limiting illness is, but in your case is it cancer?


I only ask because you mentioned McMillan and the help they have given you regarding benefits advice. I understood that only cancer patients are entitled to receive this fantastic service.


In my case whilst cancer has been ruled out at the moment, I too have a life limiting illness. When I approached McMillan years ago they refused to offer me any help because of the lack of a cancer diagnosis.


Hope you can understand where I am coming from.

Macmillan is a charity that helps people diagnosed with cancer.
if you don't have caner, why would you think they would help?
do you think the RNIB should help you? or any other charity set up for people with conditions that you don't have?
try googling fir a charity that deals with your specific condition

TrainGeek1808

My SSP from my employer ends on 2 September.

At that point, ESA (income based) will kick in I'm assuming?

When can I apply for that? Am I allowed to enter a claim before that date so that I don't suffer a delay in receiving benefits? I understand I need a SSP form from my employer which presumably will go with the application?

Thanks

TrainGeek

merlin68

Thought you'd claimed income support? If i were you i wouldn't bother with esa, income support is the easiest benefit to claim.

TrainGeek1808

merlin68 wrote: »

Thought you'd claimed income support? If i were you i wouldn't bother with esa, income support is the easiest benefit to claim.

I have - does my IS increase then when my SSP finishes?

Must admit the IS is the one which confuses me most!

They have sent me a letter saying I'll hear within 6 weeks and be invited to a work-based assessment if applicable - I'm guessing that won't apply given my situation??

Thanks

TrainGeek

nannytone_2

at the moment, you will be claiming income support as a couple.
the amount you receive in SSP will be deducted pound for pound from the income support award.
after SSP ends, the income support will rise by the exact same amount as you receive in SSP.
you will probably have to tell them of the change.... they won't sort it out automatically.
i would tell them about 4 weeks before the SSP ends

merlin68

You have to attend work focused interviews, but there nothing to worry about. There normally every 3 years. If you dont attend they can sanction you. yes your is will go up after ssp finishes. otherwise it is to much messing around changing everything again.
Believe me ive just had to change from is to esa, give me is any day. plus you dont get the disability premiums straight away on esa like you do on is so will be worse of.