Hi I was diagnosed with stage four cancer on the 15 of December last year. I was shocked by this event and was trying to find out what benefits I was eligible for. I phoned Macmilian and made an appointment with one of their financial advisors . They phoned while I was in the car with my wife and as a result of the call I was left with the impression I was not entitled to anything as I had no symptoms and had not started treatment yet. I started treatment in February of 2023 made good progress. In November 2023 I phoned Social Security Scotland and I was rapidly awarded adult disability insurance and mobility at the higher rate. They also backdated it six months. Adult disability benefit is payable in Scotland from the date of diagnosis. It’s not means tested. I would advise anyone in Scotland to phone Scottish Social Security, the staff were very sympathetic and supportive. Macmilian said that I was entitled to nothing, which is not the case in Scotland as I was entitled to adult disability benefit . The bad advice cost me around £3800 so I would urge anyone in Scotland to claim.
Hi Icor,
My name is Dylan and I work in the Online Community team. Thank you so much for sharing some of your experience here. It's positive to read that you have made good progress since starting treatment in February last year.
Im sorry to hear that you had a negative experience with our Welfare Rights Team. I'm glad you were able to get support with what you were entitled to through Social Security Scotland.
I am going to pass this information through to our Feedback Team and the Welfare Rights Team so that it can be investigated further.
Thanks again for taking the time to post in this forum.
Best wishes,
Dylan
Macmillan's Online Community Team
