Anyone been declined ESA following cancer treatment?

[rareoldme]

I was working at the time and returned but was sacked (long story). This sent me into a huge spiral of anxiety and depression and I looked to claim ESA. My doctor agreed what I have been through (SCCOHT) will have long term affects and signed to say so. But the result of my assessment is that because I can check myself into a doctors appointment and give directions to a stranger in the street if I am approached than I am mentally fit for work! How are these things on par with looking for work, applying, passing an interview and holding down a new job?

Any time I’m away from my friends and family I feel like I’m drowning. Holding my breath until I’m back with someone who keeps me going. I break down all the time. How can I look for a job and pass an interview like this? Anyone been here?

[Welshandproud]

If you have a Maggie's near you then go and talk to their benefits advisor. They helped me a lot when applying for a blue badge and ESA. Good luck xc

[rareoldme in reply to Welshandproud]

I’m not sure what Maggies is but I’m on my way to my oncology appointment so I’ll mention it. Not really an area an oncology doc would deal with really but dunno what else to do. It’s cost me £15 to get to the hospital because of an error on the bus app taking money for day riders and not giving them. What a day! Could be worse I know.

[Lyndy in reply to rareoldme]

Macmillan can help you over the phone...call their helpline xx

[Katmal-UK in reply to rareoldme]

Hi, as Sian says, see if you can get to a local Maggies or google : maggiescentres.org which should be able to tell you your local centre. Good luck.

[Welshandproud in reply to rareoldme]

Oh no. What a day. Maggie's is a wonderful charity which supports people going through cancer and their families and friends. Have a look at their website to check if there is one near you. Our local one is brilliant. Good luck xxx

[CallmeMum]

Have you applied for PIP? You should get that on special grounds xxx

[rareoldme in reply to CallmeMum]

I haven’t applied for PiP on the basis that I’m independent. As far as I’m aware the special grounds are if you are terminal or have a very short time you are expected to live. DWP told me to apply and told me the assessment was just a formality. Now this!

[CallmeMum in reply to rareoldme]

Cindy was on it for 4 years she applied about 3 months after a diagnosis and got it they just kept reviewing it every so often, I haven't looked at your profile so forgive me for asking, have you been told that you're incurable?

[rareoldme in reply to CallmeMum]

No thankfully I haven’t been told that. I was diagnosed 1c2 and had TAHBSO with lymph nodes, appendix and omentum removed followed by 6 cycles of chemo (cistplatin and etoposide) NED since but I went back to work and was sacked in June. Work was what kept me going when I was away from my family. But that was taken away from me and I spiralled into being this emotional mess. My Dr agreed I need some time out and so did the job centre and told me to claim ESA. Now they say I can’t.

[CallmeMum in reply to rareoldme]

This is Macmillians support page, hope it helps also call your CNS and see what can be done I'm certain that you are entitled to something xxx

macmillan.org.uk/informatio...

[rareoldme in reply to CallmeMum]

I’ll have a look. Thanks.

[Neona]

I would have thought that you qualified for contribution based ESA as well as PIP and a blue badge

[rareoldme in reply to Neona]

They have said no esa but I’ve asked for a mandatory reconsideration. I thought pip wouldn’t allow me anything because I’m independent.

[Neona in reply to rareoldme]

The PIP form has categories for trouble / worries with going out etc- you need to get help from Macmillan to fill in the form- diagnosis is unimportant fir this but the way you fill in the firm really matters. You have to show how you are affected in everyday tasks. I don’t need personal care at present but I got points in lots of other categories.

[Grace123]

What a challenging situation - my love and prayers are with you xxx