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ESA, PIP and CANCER !
- George
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1 month 1 week ago #296724 by George
ESA, PIP and CANCER ! was created by George
Hi everyone, can I please ask for some advice regarding my benefits and my newly discovered cancer (Mucosal Melanoma). Having had several tests, CT and MRI scans over the past fortnight I will be seeing my consultant tomorrow to get the full diagnosis and going for surgery in two weeks time to remove a large tumour from inside my nose (VERY SCARY !). Having just turned 60, I fear this is only start of my journey on this road and at best my life will now be shortened as this dreadful disease progresses.
What if anything should I tell DWP and what effect will all this have on my benefits?. I should explain that I live alone and currently receive the high rate of ESA and additional Severe Disability Premium as I am in the Support Group. I also receive the high rate of both Daily Living and Mobility components of PIP (now called Adult Disability Payment as I live in Scotland) due to my spinal injury, mobility issues, chronic backpain, digestive problems, anxiety and depression. I have received these benefits for several years and have what I believe is called 'Benefit Passport Rights' ?, I have a letter to this effect somewhere.
Having discovered that I have cancer is bad enough but having to deal with DWP as well, I'm just terrified !.
Any advice on this please, how to proceed ?.
Thanks to all who reply.
Kindest regards.
What if anything should I tell DWP and what effect will all this have on my benefits?. I should explain that I live alone and currently receive the high rate of ESA and additional Severe Disability Premium as I am in the Support Group. I also receive the high rate of both Daily Living and Mobility components of PIP (now called Adult Disability Payment as I live in Scotland) due to my spinal injury, mobility issues, chronic backpain, digestive problems, anxiety and depression. I have received these benefits for several years and have what I believe is called 'Benefit Passport Rights' ?, I have a letter to this effect somewhere.
Having discovered that I have cancer is bad enough but having to deal with DWP as well, I'm just terrified !.
Any advice on this please, how to proceed ?.
Thanks to all who reply.
Kindest regards.
- BIS
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1 month 1 week ago #296749 by BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
Replied by BIS on topic ESA, PIP and CANCER !
Hi George
I'm sorry to hear about this new diagnosis. Right at this moment, I wouldn't do anything. It makes no difference to your benefits at all and you have greater things to concern you.
Although the DWP ask people to inform them about a change in their health - in reality they are more interested if people's health has improved - so perhaps they can reduce a claimant's award. If some cases claimants will tell them about a change of circumstances in order to get a better award, but you have already been awarded the maximum amount.
So you can write them a letter when you are ready and inform them of this new diagnosis, but it doesn't have to be right at this minute - do it when you are ready. You will have to inform them if you spend more than four weeks in hospital because that will affect your ADP - but at this stage you won't know.
Wishing you the best in your operation.
BIS
I'm sorry to hear about this new diagnosis. Right at this moment, I wouldn't do anything. It makes no difference to your benefits at all and you have greater things to concern you.
Although the DWP ask people to inform them about a change in their health - in reality they are more interested if people's health has improved - so perhaps they can reduce a claimant's award. If some cases claimants will tell them about a change of circumstances in order to get a better award, but you have already been awarded the maximum amount.
So you can write them a letter when you are ready and inform them of this new diagnosis, but it doesn't have to be right at this minute - do it when you are ready. You will have to inform them if you spend more than four weeks in hospital because that will affect your ADP - but at this stage you won't know.
Wishing you the best in your operation.
BIS
Nothing on this board constitutes legal advice - always consult a professional about specific problems
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