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Benefits during treatment

pepper24
  • 1 reply
  • 13 subscribers
  • 137 views

Hello, 

My mum recently has been diagnosed with stage 2 squamous cell carcinoma. The tumor started in her tonsil and has spread to the lymph nodes close by, they are really optimistic the cancer is HPV positive which is great, they have said she will not be able to work during her treatment and maybe for up to 3 months after. 

They have mentioned she is no entitled to any benefit to help for example pip? what are people supposed to do during treatment to get by? she is on 0 hour contract im unsure if she can claim sick. Is this true about pip as its classed as a curable cancer? 

  • Hi  

    My name’s Vicky and I’m a Support Advisor here at Macmillan.  I’m so sorry to hear of your mum’s diagnosis, it’s good that it’s looking positive but it’s always a worry when you must take time off from your work for treatment, it’s a stress you just don’t need at a time like this isn’t it.

    We have a great Welfare Rights Team here on our Support Lines who can look at your mum’s situation and advise on any benefits, grants etc. that she could be entitled to and try to answer any questions that you have.   You could give them a call on 0808 808 0000, select Option 1 for the Support Lines then Option 2 for Welfare Rights or by chat, selecting Welfare Rights and Benefits as the subject.  So that they can look at your mum’s situation it’s best to have ready a note of her finances, money into the household and money out, that way they can quickly assess her current situation and provide advice.

    I hope this information is of use to you pepper24, please know that we’re here to support both you and your mum through this and if there’s anything else we can help you with or even if you just need to talk to someone about how you’re feeling then we’re here for you.

    Kindest regards,

    Vicky, Information and Support Adviser

    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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