Struggling Financially with Leukaemia?

[clifflee]

I was diagnosed with CLL in July 2013 and had already been registered with Macmillan in 2004 when I had bowel cancer, although at that time I didn't need much help other than problems with stoma bags and local support groups, both of which they helped me with.

Financially I was okay being paid by my employer whilst I was off for the operations and during the 30 weeks of chemotherapy I was able to work full time, having chemo on my day off.

In October 2023 it was decided by my MDT (Multi Disciplinary Team) and Haematologist that I should start chemotherapy with Ibrutinib & Venetoclax and he said I would not be able to work whilst on treatment, I am a young and relatively fit 75, 76 next week. This came as a shock as I always said no chemo unless absolutely necessary!

Financially I was ok whilst working, but living on government pension of £931 + £165 private pension was going to leave me with a big hole and nothing I could do to fill it!

I spoke to Macmillan if there was any thing they could suggest, they were very kind and helpful, firstly they gave me grant to help with my electricity costs, I live in a 36 year old small all electric house supposably super warm but costing £175 a month to keep a temperature of 18 degrees whilst on chemo!

Next they suggested Attendance Allowance, I said I will never get that! They talked me through it and said its about needing help and doesn't matter if you have it or not, they also helped me fill out the forms, quite long but not difficult. Imagine my surprise when they awarded me £296 every 4 weeks and its not subject to tax or included in monies received. They had also said if I got Attendance Allowance I would be able to apply for Pension Credit because the rules all change and you're effectively classed as a terminal illness even though you may live to 100+ (I am going for 110!) I got Pension Credit at £126 per 4 weeks, this then opens up all the benefits, my contact lens at £320 I got £92 off, council tax free, saving £108 per month, TV licence free, I have still to sort out dentals costs, I currently pay around £16 per month with AXA as my costs are extremely high due to having chemo previously, I have used the same dentist practice for 50 years never missed an appointment full set of teeth in 2004 then lost over half my teeth and what's left is root canal filled and crowned, my dentist says the average dentist would only do that amount root canal fillings in 2 years!

In conclusion I am now over£600 a month better off! and can manage quite comfortably now.

I have quoted the figures I get however everyones could be different, but I do own my home albeit with with an Equity Release lifetime mortgage with no payment requirement.

THIS IS ONLY FOR UK RESIDENTS UNFORTUNATELY

Thank you very much Macmillan. Cliff.

[Spark_Plug]

I'm glad things have worked for you. I see your biggest assets was after you asked, you followed through! Many worry so much that they'll be told no, they talk themselves out of trying. Or, folks cling to ego and yesteryear's way of doing things and get in their own way.

All life is rejection, so get thrown out by the best!

[clifflee in reply to Spark_Plug]

Thank you

[JEEA]

Goodness Cliff---Most impressive! I think that your biggest asset is YOU and your determination to find a way through. Being financially secure does make such a huge difference. It is good to know that bits of our benefit system are working well. So many don't know what is available and so much then goes unclaimed sadly. Wonderful about the help that you go from McMillan too.

I've saved your post as finance are coming up more and more frequently for some friends.

I recently helped two friends get attendance allowance which has made a difference to their lives. Interesting to hear about Pension Credit--although I image that is means tested? Yet it seems that your private pension did not stop you from getting it? Eleanor