what benefits would I get giving up work?

[Jingles6]

I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer stage 3 in may 2021 I underwent a hysterectomy followed my chemo and in nov 2021 was told I was in remission. I am on PARPS treatment now and when I asked of the chances of the Cancer reoccurring I was told 75%. I am back at full time work now and am 62 years old. I do get tired with the PARPS and sometimes suffer side effects. I feel that I would like to give up work as my life could be shorter than expected. I dont know what I would be able to claim if I was not working ? Anyone got advice??

[Lyndy2]

I am in a similar position. If you have savings or investments over £23k you are not eligible for means tested benefits. It might be worth asking about PIP but in my view I am too well for PIP as I can take care of myself.

Check any pensions you have…see if you might be able to take them under critical illness cover. I am still working but about to go on a drug trial so I have just been turning work down for the next month or so. xx

[Jingles6 in reply to Lyndy2]

Thanks for the reply Lynda. I will check out my pensions. Good luck with the drug trial x

[KH59]

Hi, give Macmillan a call on their help line. They have advisors who could help you with benefits.

[Kjpip]

Hi Jingles, you should be able to claim ESA (Employment Support Allowance) which is not means tested. There are 2 different levels of payment but you are automatically put into the higher bracket if you have cancer. You can also work up to 16 hours a week (up to a certain amount of income, I can't remember what it is sorry) without affecting your claim. If you have savings less than £16k you might also be eligible for Income Support.

Do give Macmillan a call though, they are extremely helpful and will go through everything with you and tell you exactly what you need to do to make any claims.

Good luck! 😀

[Casamimosa]

Hi, as has been suggested contact Macmillan they helped me a lot, try for Pip there are 2xlevels you might qualify for something and its not means tested. It's worth a try. Good luck and take care

[OvacomeSupport Partner My Ovacome Team]

Hi there Jingles6

Thank you for your post. I can see that several members of the forum community have shared their experiences about this with you, which I hope has been useful.

As many have already mentioned, Macmillan offer a benefits and financial support advice service, which should be able to answer your queries. For full details about the service and how to get in touch, please visit the pages below on the Macmillan website:

- macmillan.org.uk/cancer-inf...

- macmillan.org.uk/cancer-inf...

- macmillan.org.uk/cancer-inf...

We have had some really positive feedback from our members about the expertise and advice that Macmillan can provide regarding benefits.

I hope this is helpful. If there’s anything you would like to talk through or any further information we can provide, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can message us directly on this forum, email us via [e-mail] or call our friendly support line on 0800 008 7054. We’re here Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm.

Best wishes

Annie – Ovacome support

[Joanne59]

you could ask your Dr if they can help you retire on ill health, but if you have pensions etc and don’t qualify for that benefit you may still be able to get PIP personal independent allowance as that’s not means tested. Your Dr will be able to advise and the local citizens advice can help with all benefits,forms etc. Good luck 🌻

[Floodal]

hi there it is difficult to get help but if you are struggling to look after yourself and your partner has to help you with your daily chores you should be able to get attendance allowance and pip have a word with McMillan nurses they are so helpful