Getting back to normal

Former Member
Former Member
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I know that there are some incredibly kind people out there who can help me out. Please let me explain myself. My wife and I have been living in East Timor since 2000. In April of this year I had a biopsy which proved positive for cancer. I travelled to Bali where cancer of the larynx was diagnosed. I underwent chemotherapy in Bali from May until September when I ran out of money for further treatment. I and my wife are now in Leeds and I am getting treatment at the LGI. The medical help I am getting is superb, I could not ask for more.

My problem/s is/are of a more practical nature.

Whilst in East Timor I lost all of my official UK paperwork except my passport. I also lost/misplaced my National Insurance number. I have already started the process of getting my NI number. I now have to replace my driving licence, which is difficult because I keep getting asked for the licence number, which I obviously don’t have as it on the licence. I need to replace my birth certificate  and my marriage certificate.

We also have to find a place to live, and ascertain what, if any, benefits we are entitled to. I am 64 and my wife,  who is my carer, is 66. We are both more than willing to work  if we are deemed fit and well.

Can any kind person out there point me in the right direction for getting all this done?

Many many thanks,

 Wayne

  • Hi    

    Thanks for getting in touch.  I’m sorry to hear about your cancer diagnosis and the difficulties you are having with getting replacement paperwork.

    Unfortunately, we aren't able to support you with finding out your Driving Licence Number but would urge you to contact DVLA Driving Licence Enquiries on 0300 790 6801. Hopefully they will be able to point you in the right direction.

    You can find also find out more information about ordering replacement birth and marriage certificates here

    As Financial Guides, we’re unable to answer your question regarding benefits, but one of our Welfare Rights Advisers should be able to talk you through what your next steps could be.

    Unfortunately, the Welfare Rights Advisers don’t currently have a presence on Ask an Expert, but you could speak to them by phone – 0808 808 0000, Option 1, then Option 2, then Option 2 again. They are available Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm and at the weekends 9am to 5pm. Or you could speak to them on webchat here -  click ‘Chat to Us’ at the bottom right of the screen, and select ‘Welfare Benefits and Grants’ when asked for the topic.

    Be ready with information about your finances including income from all sources and your level of savings and outgoings such as mortgage payments or rent and information on your utility bills. Also, think about how your cancer affects your ability to function on a day to day basis.

    In the meantime, here is a link to further information about Benefits and financial support on our website which I hope you’ll find helpful.

    If the Financial Guides can help with anything relating to your personal finances, such as difficulties with mortgage payments, claiming on insurance policies or retiring early because of ill health, we’d be happy to hear from you again. We are available on 0808 808 0000, Option 1, then 2, then 1, Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm. We’re also on webchat if you prefer.

     

    Kind regards.

     

    Lisa

    Financial Guide

     

    Remember you can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or by email.

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