Benefits and Allowances!

Hello one and all I am writing this to tell people who have not been receiving anything regarding Benefits, Allowances or Blue Badge how we came about what Peter has received and how! He was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer October 08. While we were at the Consultants meeting we were introduced to a Cancer Care Cymru Nurse Specialist who informed us that she would help us with all the relevant benefits etc. At the time, for obvious reasons, we did not take this into consideration. About six weeks later Peter started his chemo treatment and while we were at the Oncology clinic in January 09, a colleague of our Nurse Specialist met him and asked him to sign some forms she had filled in for the Disability Living Allowance and for a Blue Badge. She couldn't say which rate he would be entitled to which ranged from Low, medium to high rate. This would be decided at a later stage. She also asked if I worked, I said no and she told me I would probably quality for Carer's Allowance if Peter was awarded a medium to high rate DLA. He had his operation on 15th April 09 which left him with a Hartmanns resection and a permanent colostomy. Some liver mets were also found and now he is on a more aggressive course of chemo with a view to a hopeful liver resection? A fortnight ago he received his High Rate Mobility allowance of £49.10 and High Rate Personal Care allowance of £70.35 per week, backdated to April 4th. Yesterday he received his Blue Badge. On the 7th May I applied for the Carer's Allowance and received that yesterday, backdated to 6th April. Apparently we can now claim a Council Tax Benefit, I did try to download the form but had trouble with it, not only that I found it quite difficult to understand so will leave it a while until I have spoken to the Council themselves. Carer's Allowance is awarded to people under Pensionable age, after that it is Attendance Allowance. The High Rate Mobility Allowance enables him to lease a car on Mobility. This £49.10 will be paid to the garage instead of him every week and means he has 3 years worth of free comprehensive car insurance, car tax, RAC Recovery, windscreen cover, tyres and servicing. A huge worry off our minds regarding transport! I believe there are many other benefits out there for the younger cancer sufferers regarding work and it is well worth looking into as we all need financial help at a time like this. You and all your families have worked hard and paid taxes for these benefits, so please don't let it pass you by. Cherryl and Peter