I just wanted to share that after 8 months of battling with DWP I have finally been granted contribution based ESA. It wasn’t a problem with the cancer being the reason, it was to do with my NI contributions. It’s a long story so don’t want to go into it, however, on several occasions, by several people I was told NO I wasn’t entitled. However, I wouldn’t let it go and it’s now been granted and backdated.
If there is anyone else out there having problems with DWP, don’t give in. It was extremely frustrating, especially while I’ve been having chemo throughout, and all the fun that entails, but it was worth it in the end :-)