ESA Claim Stage IV Bowel Cancer

Hi I was diagnosed with Stage iv bowel cancer resulting in emergency removal of tumour beginning of April 2017, currently having chemo, followed by more surgery for removal of liver tumour, then more chemo and then possible another surgery for colostomy reversal.. I submitted my claim on 26th April 17 and I am in a Universal Credit area and have an online account. I have received the standard UC amount and the child element for one child, backdated to 27th March 2017, which is currently around £600/month which goes nowhere near my outgoings (single parent and I as
also get child maintenance.. I was signed off work with fit note from 31st Jan 17 when forced to give up work due to ill health prior to diagnosis. I have completed the ESA questionnaire and know it has been received but I have heard nothing from them regarding my claim, regardless of phone calls and through the UC online journal but told I have to just wait from company who do the assessment. I am getting into further debt and spiralling into depression due to my diagnosis and financial worries. I am confused as whether I have to wait 13 weeks before they look at my claim and due to my condition and chemo do I need to have an work capability assessment ? any advice would be gratefully received. Thanks

Hi Gordon Thanks for the reply. I didnt get my doctor to complete it but if i remember correctly I put the contact details of GP and Oncologist and medical report/fit notes etc. I seem to have hit a brick wall trying to speak tp someone through Universal Credit and been given conflicting information.. Should I be paid an assessment rate whilst my claim is being considered. At the moment I am only receiving the Universal Credit amount of £317 and £277 for the child element. I have been advised that if you are having chemotherapy you shouldnt have to have a WCI but been told I have to. Thanks.

Thanks Gordon, I was very unwell when i completed the form and tbh havnt any recollection what I put. I will contact them again tomorrow. I realise in hindsight I should have got someone to help me complete my application. I am still confused as I thought the Universal Credit comprised of different elements. The two elements I get are the standard Universal Credit payment and the child element, total £526. I thought that Universal Credit would also pay the equivalent of the ESA element as well. I was told by my Work Coach that I would probably be put straight into support group as having chemotherapy. Have I got the got this wrong? Thanks

Jane