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Can you start a claim before going on sick leave?

Former Member
Former Member
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Morning. I was diagnosed with breast cancer that has spread to a lymph on Friday 17th March. I don’t currently have all the elements of the breast biopsy, only that it iis Er negative and Pr negative. Tomorrow I should get the rest and results of second biopsy on the lymph. I’ve been told I will need chemotherapy first, followed by surgery, the extent of which we don’t know yet as awaiting gene test results. 
I am very concerned about the financial impact this is going to have and understand there is maybe a grant I can apply for? Also PIP? At what point can I apply for them? I am currently still working, and if I can I would like to work between chemotherapy cycles. Do I need to wait until I am officially off sick?

  • Hello @Julieeb,

     

    Thanks for getting in touch. I’m sorry to hear about your diagnosis and the current situation. Hopefully we can provide some support at this difficult time.

    As part of our Money and Work Team, we have a dedicated group of Welfare Rights Advisers. They can check if you’re entitled to any state benefits and can help to access other financial support, such as one-off grants. You can contact them on freephone 0808 808 0000 and they’re available weekdays 8am – 8pm and weekends 9am – 5pm. If you’d prefer you can also contact them via webchat here by selecting “Chat to us” and then the “Welfare Benefits & Grants” option.

    They will ask you for some financial details such as your household income, amount of any savings, cost of rent/mortgage, council tax and utilities just to see if any other help is available.

    Just to clarify, the Financial Guidance Service can provide information and guidance on all aspects of your personal finances to help you make informed decisions in the following areas;

    Pensions and retirement options

    Questions about insurance policies

    Mortgages and money management

    Arranging wills and trusts to protect your family

    General financial planning questions

    If there is anything from the above list that you would like to discuss, please speak to us directly on the same number. To reach the Financial Guidance team just select options 1 then 2 then 1 again. Our team are available Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm. Alternatively you can also speak to us on Webchat too by clicking here

     

    Kind regards.

     

    Will Quinn

    Financial Guide

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