Support for people with Cancer

pmlindyloo

mollyjester wrote: »

Thank you all for your replies. Will have a look into PIP and the Macmillion grant today.

He called HMRC and was told he does not qualify for WTC as he has earned too much in this tax year and they do not class Cancer as a disability. We challenged this and spoke to a supervisor who confirmed that they don't and therefore there is no qualification. I will look into this a bit more and try to appeal.

So far we have tried:

1. Housing benefit - in private rented accommodation - not social housing - took the 14% off anyway. As he is single and under 35 the council said they would only pay enough for a bedsit. No 13 week grace period etc although will mention this in the appeal too. Refused discretionary payment and council tax relief. Tax relief was because he had some savings which are now rapidly in decline.

2. WTC as above - won't pay as he has earned too much in the last tax year and cancer is not a disability.

3. PIP I suspect won't be an option until post op but we can but try

It is terrifying to see how we treat cancer patients.

The 14% off HB is not used in private renting. It is based on the local housing allowance which is fixed according to age and circumstances. It is true that as single and under 35 he would usually only be eligible for the shared accommodation rate but agree that you should ask about the 13 week protection period.

Having said all that you did not mention that he had savings. HB and CT reduction are means tested benefits so it could well be that his HB entitlement has been based on his full rent (for the 13 weeks) but there have been deductions because of his savings (which I assume are between £6000 and £16000)

His HB award letter should tell you how his HB has been calculated. It may be that the 14% deduction is just coincidental and is based on his having savings.

If he has received advice from CAB then they should have mentioned the 13 week protection period and the effect of his savings. You could always ask them to check his HB and CT reduction awards. (or use Macmillan nurse - see below)

As his savings decrease you should keep the council up to date so that they can adjust the HB and CT reduction. (they will need to see bank statements)

Your friend also needs to ask for a Macmillan nurse to support him with all this as they usually have great expertise with benefits and will offer other support during this difficult time.

Mojisola

mollyjester wrote: »

It is terrifying to see how we treat cancer patients.

It's not just cancer patients.

fishybusiness

Your friend also needs to ask for a Macmillan nurse to support him with all this as they usually have great expertise with benefits and will offer other support during this difficult time.

Absolutely, they have specialist advisors in most areas of the country.

Poppie68

As others have said he can't claim WTC at the moment because he doesn't qualify without receiving PIP.He is very lucky he was clever enough to save so these savings will help cushion the blow, he may qualify for some help once his savings are depleted but the first thing he needs to do is apply for PIP and contact the Macmillan team the hospital will give him the contact information.
I hope everything goes well for him.

nic_santorini

I saw a macmillan welfare advisor yesterday and if the cancer is terminal and it is suspected that your friend will pass away within 6 months, then they are automatically entitled to higher level PIP and a blue badge. The macmillan specialist nurse in the oncology unit will help complete forms and recommend the application. DS1500 form. This is about £500 a month.

If your friend has primary cancer - then he will have to apply via the normal route of needing assistance and help etc etc and not being able to walk even short distances and being assessed accordingly with all the relevant tests that they now carry out.

ESA is payable after 6 months sick from work and statutory sick pay stops and you are still off sick from work. You can get £73 per week for 13 weeks and £109 from weeks 14 onwards.

It appears that this is not means tested. Your friend will need 6 months of original fit notes from the doctor and an ESA50 form.

As another poster said - there is also Macmillan grants but you need less than a certain amount of savings to qualify for this one. Not to sure what the amount is,, definitely under £10k.

hope all this helps

missbiggles1

Mojisola wrote: »

It's not just cancer patients.

Cancer patients receive far better support than those suffering from many other conditions in non financial terms. In financial terms there's no reason for someone with cancer to receive more than those with any other life threatening condition.