ooohhh social security

Hi Viv, I had the same problem and I couldn't get answers anywhere. So I rang Age Concern although I am only 55, the age for their help starts then. So a lady came and helped me fill in the forms for Disabilty Living Allowance, Mobility Allowance and the other part of ESA is Incapacity benefit. I was refused ESA because I have too much saved. The lady said that incapacity is not means tested and anyone can get that especially people with cancer. The lady went to my DR and asked him to fill in a form I can't remember what is was  I think it began with S and then a no. Anyway she that that with that form with the DLA form you only need to fill in a small part. Anyway she filled my forms in 2 weeks ago and I haven't heard anything as yet, but I believe it takes awhile. You should see your Dr re the form it is especially for people suffering from cancer ( I think). Also you can go to your local CAB office for help, I know ours has a MacMillan nurse to help cancer sufferers to fill in the forms. Also have you appealed the decision, from a Dr. I like you have worked full time since I was 15 and I found it hard to find out what I was entitled to. Don't let them get away with it they because they will if you let them. There is advise out there if you look for it. Good Luck! Love Julie XX

thanks julie, I have asked for an appeal form, I will try the CAB as well, thanks for the info, viv xx

Hi Viv & julie....I.m on ESA..have been since feb this year..had a medical last dec....have now got a form to fill in again for ESA...no doubt will be asked to go for another medical in dec or jan ...have read that they are trying to get people off ESA and back to work...and i think they are targeting cancer patients first...as usual.... so thinks they will be telling me its back to work for me..... i tried for DLA ....  if you can feed yourself...dress yourself...and don.t need the help mobility wise...you won.t get it ...but you will if your terminal....good luck with your appeal...and i hope you both keep well....johnb..x

Hi I just read up on the special rules and exceptions for this entitlement and it seems cancer patients would be included in that group - therefore entitled to the benefit if ON IV (not tablet form) chemotherapy or terminally ill - other exceptions include mental illness so I supose if going back to work were to cause you mental illness  ie depression (because they were making you go back o work) then you migh be entitled - I would definatley go for an appeal but not only that make it a priority to contact a Macmillan bebnefits advisor asap to see where you stand as they should be up to date with all the rules hopefully. Good luck and grrr with yu, Jools xx

www.direct.gov.uk/.../dg_177366.pdf

Isn't it disgraceful how the most vulnerable in society are targetted!

I agree with Jools, contact Macmillan who have benefits advisors who are great at giving advice, filling in forms etc.

Unfortunately, it seems to be that it is not the illness which allows a claim to be awarded, but how it affects your everyday life.

Good luck with your claim.  I hope you get what you are entitled to, without any further trouble.

Christine xx