What would you ask a Macmillan Money Adviser?

Hi Wayne - Online Community Team 

I am fortunate enough to have good financial security, so haven’t needed money advice. I often see posters urging other posters to apply for PIP or Attendance Allowance, saying things like “cancer will automatically qualify you”. Whilst I understand cancer is treated as a disability, I always thought you had to need help with daily living to qualify for these benefits, ie that having cancer alone, even terminal cancer, isn’t enough. It might help to clarify this, at least so I have an idea how to respond to such assertions in my role as a community champion! And if having an SR1 changes this at all. 

During my treatment I spoke to a Macmillan advisor about PIP and eligibility. I was encouraged to claim it and given all the details on how to do this. This helped me be able to focus on my treatment rather than being concerned about finances. I worked full time until my surgery and was entitled to SSP only. 

My understanding of PIP is that it is not to do with the diagnosis but rather how those diagnoses affect your ability to carry out certain tasks and also how they affect your mobility. My cancer treatment ended 4 years ago but I live with the effects of treatment and also have other medical conditions. 

I was glad that I contacted the Macmillan advisors and they helped steer me in the right direction so I could focus on my treatment. 

I would advise anyone who is struggling to give them a call or use online chat to just see what potential support they may be entitled to. 

Jane

Thanks both for contributing to this important conversation, I think it's really important to raise awareness of PIP and other benefits and that Macmillan can be really helpful when you have questions or need support.

Macmillan's information about PIP explains that PIP is not awarded on the basis of a cancer diagnosis. It is given based on how you manage daily living tasks such as washing, dressing, cooking and eating. It's really important that you provide the right kind of information when you apply.

The SR1 form mentioned by Coddfish is explained in Macmillan's information about terminal illness benefits and special rules.

Macmillan Money Advisors can help with questions about PIP, eligibility and how to claim. For example, lots of people might not know that:

• you can claim PIP whether you are working or not
• you do not need to have paid National Insurance to claim PIP
• your income and savings do not affect your claim

Is there anything you would like to know about PIP?

Also I don't think PIP is taxable.  I would like to know what happens when your PIP comes up for renewal and you have already provided a SR1 form.  I don't seem to find any advice anywhere.

Lee 

@LeeaLoo you are correct PIP is not taxable. If you are awarded PIP under special rules using a SR1 form, PIP is awarded for 3 years. When you are within the last few months of the special rules claim you should receive a form inviting you to make a new claim for PIP. You have the option to speak to your medical team to see if they can issue another SR1 medical report. If they can issue another SR1 you can make a new special rules claim and PIP will be awarded for another 3 years. If the SR1 cannot be issued you would need to consider if you can apply under the normal rules. As discussed above this is based on the difficulties you have with Daily Living tasks or mobility.

Our Money Advisers on the Macmillan Support Line can advise on eligibility to PIP and help with PIP forms. You can find out more about contacting our money advisers by clicking here; Money Advice.

This is something I think is a good community help idea. I did try to get access to this but I think I was unlucky and given wrong directions to get this help. 
the PIP SR1 form isn’t really a nice form to fill out on your own if you get confused or worry about giving wrong information. Tenovus was a great help to me to sort the PIP

i just have question of, once you’re in the PIP high tier will the review be done by phone or move up to a 10 year review. Also is there any idea of the Tims review items that may be brought in for new and for the existing claimants

Is there any grants that i can apply for.  I am struggling with finances as i am on half pay from work and next month i go onto zero pay

Hi W J , Becca74 

Thanks for your questions! Our Money Advisers will be back in tomorrow to answer - thank you so much for your patience. In the mean time here's a couple of information page that I hope that can be useful:

- grants and loans

- personal independence payment

Hi W J 

I'm really pleased to read that you were able to get help with your PIP form. It can be daunting to complete, so having support from an organisation like Tenovus can make a real difference. We would encourage anyone completing benefit forms to seek advice from a benefits adviser where possible.

In terms of PIP reviews, it's a tricky question to answer because it depends on how PIP was awarded.

1) If someone receives PIP under the 'Special Rules' and has been awarded following submission of an SR1 form by a healthcare professional, the award is usually made for a fixed period of three years. Towards the end of that award, they would normally need to make a further claim if they still wish to receive PIP.

2) If someone is awarded enhanced-rate PIP under the normal rules and it is considered unlikely that their condition will improve, they may be given an ongoing award with a 'light-touch' review after around 10 years. This would normally involve completing a shortened review form before the DWP makes a new decision.

Regarding the Timms Review, it's still too early to say how this may affect either current PIP claimants or future applicants. We will need to wait for the final recommendations and any decisions the Government makes about implementing them.

I appreciate that this period of uncertainty can feel unsettling, particularly for people who rely on PIP as part of their financial security. Until any changes are confirmed, existing PIP awards continue under the current rules, and we would encourage people not to assume that their entitlement will be affected.

I hope that helps

Hi, Becca74 

I'm sorry to hear you're struggling financially and that your pay is due to stop next month. Many people affected by cancer find their income reduces at a time when expenses can increase, so it's vitally important to see what benefits and grants are available.

What help is available will depend on your individual circumstances as benefits and grants have very different criteria.

If you'd like to do some research yourself, you could try:

• Macmillan's online benefits checker to see whether you're entitled to any benefits you may not currently be claiming. Macmillan Cancer Benefits Calculator | Macmillan Cancer Support
• The Turn2us Grants Search tool, which can help identify charitable grants and funds that you may be eligible for. Turn2us Grants Search

Alternatively, if you'd prefer to discuss your situation with someone, our Money Advisers on the Macmillan Support Line can complete a full benefits check and explore any grant options that may be available to you. More information can be found here Money advice | Macmillan Cancer Support

I hope this helps