SSP

Hi Robson  and welcome to the Online Community but I am sorry to hear about your diagnoses and the challenges you are dealing with regarding the ‘cost’ of living with cancer. 

Some of my main treatment was done in Glasgow, we live in Inverness so must have done the 8hr round trip journey 30 times, there was some funding available to cover some of the costs of fuel, food, accommodations but not for it all. There are some funding streams in various health board areas but it all about finding the information.

Our Support Line teams are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, email or live webchat where you will find one of team who may be able to help you out….. especially with regards to making sure you are receiving all the benefits that are available. We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.

The cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but reaching out to the community will give you the opportunity to ask questions and getting support from others who are navigating the ‘exact’ same journey.

The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend consider joining our supportive Bowel (colon and rectum) cancer support group. This is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.

To join a group first click on the “Bold Link” I have created above then once the group page opens click on “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)

You can then put up your own post when you’re ready by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.

Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.

Do get back to me if you need further help.

Thank you so much for your reply. This is all new to me so advice and pointers really appreciated. Regards Robson.

I suppose that I have a slight advantage in that I have been on my incurable cancer journey for over 23 years now so I have had plenty time to understand the system and get the most out of it.

I have a knowledge of tax and ssp.  Basic rate tax of 20% appears to have been deducted from your SSP.  The weekly entitlement is £99.35 but when you commence you are not paid for the 1st three days.   I would suggest that you ask your employer to let you have a breakdown of the ssp and why they have deducted tax at basic rate.  

Thank you so much Mick.