Financial help and cancer

[Mistymoomoo]

Hi my dad over retirement age has been diagnosed with cancer. Only receiving state pension, can he claim anything else whilst being treated. I know under retirement age you can but not sure if over retirement age you can?

Thanks

[Hidden]

Give MacMillan a ring, they will give you lots of help.

[newlands in reply to Hidden]

I Agee they also give financial help

[Philip]

It maybe better if you ring the DWP and see what they tell you, or google DWP.gov.uk

[Mistymoomoo in reply to Philip]

Thanks

[Hidden]

Am sure can claim attendance allowance if pension age but am not sure if it’s means tested benefit.

[Hidden]

I think you can your dad might be able to claim Attendance Allowance. It's like DAL for the elderly I was told a few months ago that my mum can claim it for her Alzheimer's , when she eventually comes home which won't be this week but probably next week with a bit of luck. Hope this helps.

[Hidden]

I meant to put D.L.A disability living allowance.. it was only a typing error. Good luck.

[Hellebelle]

You will be able to apply for attendance allowance. When you complete the form, make sure you do it from the point of view of your worst day. You could also apply for a blue badge if you drive to make if easier to get to the shops/appointments. I think you can apply even if you don't drive but are transported so that the driver uses it in your behalf. You might be able to get reductions in council tax also as you have a diagnosis. The McMillan nurses are really good at advising you about what you might be entitled to. Hope this helps.

[Hidden in reply to Hellebelle]

Yes, Hellebelle, MacMillan nurses are really great at giving help and advice and providing evidence of someone's need for benefits like Attendance Allowance. I really agree that's a great suggestion for Mistymoomoo.

[katieoxo60]

Hi, your father most certainly is entitled to several bits of help if only receiving basic pension, both from social services, DWP, council ect. Sadly each entitlement requires form filling so I would advice you contact one of the following for help. which ever one can help fastest. Macmillan nurses, DWP pensions Line, Cab, Age UK, social services assessment of needs department who can be contacted on line. Or if you have one a local advice group, here where I live Pendrells help with form filling , and some hospitals have advisers for older people. Hope the info helps.

[Hidden]

Hi Mistymoomoo,

As one of the ambassadors for the Care Community forum, I'd like to give you a warm welcome to our group, which is very friendly and helpful.

I agree wholeheartedly with Hellebelle's answer that Macmillan nurses give excellent advice and help with benefits, and I'd suggest you try that avenue first.

Very best of luck and good wishes.

[lKeith]

Mistymoomoo

Hi your dad maybe able to claim a number of benefits, attendance allowance at the least. Try to contact Dept of work & pensions who will know the rules.

IKeith

[Jennymary]

5 yrs ago when I was treated for cancer, every cancer patient was entitled to a Macmillan grant regardless of financial circumstances, hopefully your dad's nurse had already mentioned this, if not might be worth asking, I wish your dad, and family, well x

[Mistymoomoo]

Oh bless you thank you. He hasn't been given a nurse as yet but will ask the question. X