was very worried when I had my ESA medical on 1st march but was put back in the support group.
I finished treatment for breast cancer at the end of december 2010 and received a medical questionairre in jan 2011.
I have a lot of pain in my back and hips from osteo artheitis which has escalated since having BC and am awaiting an appointment for pain management clinic and ATOS opinion was that I may be fit to look for work in 6 months so guess will need another medical then.
Good luck to everyone
Yep, that was my report too -seems to be if you can expect to live beyond 6 months, you can return to work. LiMA generates this “logic”
(Logic is the first word of LiMA)
And ATOS get more money for re-assessment. £45m per anum aaccording to research done by my MP’s office. So, over and above the £100m p/a they get from the taxpayers - US - they reprocess us to up their profits by 45%
All charities, and CAB, MacMillan are well aware of this, and are trying to ameliorate the worst of the onslaught against the ill, weak and disaabled.
But we only find out about this when the nastiness slaps us in our face. When we are at our weakest.
ATOS, at the very least, should not be allowed to interview ‘claimants’ (us) if the appeal has been sucessful. It would br at least a conflict of interest.
I beg you all - PLEASE get involved inthe process of reform. We have been through, going through or might be facing this horrid experiemce - and the dreadful consequences thereof.
Good luck and god bless to you all.
Annie xx
hi everyone, well i have recieved my medical form so i went to CAB yesterday and they were really helpful. I explained last time i had done it all myself but I felt I could not go through it again. They have told me that there is a brilliant guy who volanteers there who will come to the tribunal with me if it gets to that yet again.
What i do not understand is your own gp who knows your history etc gives you the not fit note and yet someone who does not knows you decides your fate so to speak.
goodluck to all.
Hi all,
I am at a total loss as to what if anything I am entitled to and to be honest I don’t quite know where to start. The history of my battle with cancer:
1999- aged 31 diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. Lumpectomy, chemo & radiotherapy.
2001- recurrence in opposite breast and in cleavage. Double mastectomy and chemo.
2008- Oesteosarcoma in a pocket that formed following my mastectomy. Operated on twice as first op was deemed to be treating a fibrosis but following results they had to go back in to clear the site.
2010- Ependymoma of the spinal nerve endings. I had surgery to remove tumour in November which went wrong and had to go back for emergency surgery due to spinal fluid leaking. 1 week stay turned into 3.
I have been left with permanent nerve damage as it was attached to the nerve endings that control my left leg. My left leg is weak and if I stand or sit for short periods it then starts to go numb. My back is incredibly painful and I can’t do things that I used to do. I am 43 years old and feel like I have a body of an 80 year old. I have many restrictions as to what I can’t do due to weakness in both of my arms and shoulders and now to top it all off my lower back and legs. I have walked into town which is about 10 minutes away but the pain I experience from my right arm and my leg is horrendous. I was given Lyrica ( I think its called ) to help ease the pain in my leg but they totally knocked me out and I couldn’t even string a sentence together. So out of choice I have gone back to paracetomol and ibruprofen or if the pain is really bad then cocodamol.
I applied for incapacity & disability benefit going back to the start of my cancer history and was told I wasn’t entitled to anything as I was deemed fit for work after 6 months. They did offer to pay my 75p a week stamp but that was it, so I suppose I am doubting whether I will be entitled to anything yet again.
I didn’t choose to and neither does anyone else to have this disease and I lost my mum & nan at 52yrs & 54yrs respectively to this awful disease so I am fully aware of the senario’s. I have been tested for BCRA1 & BCRA2 but don’t carry either of these faulty genes.
Any advice will be gratefully received.
Thank you for your time reading this
Cindy xx
Hi , I am new to all this. First time I have joined a forum.I was diagnosied with great cancer in March last year, went through chemo and finished radio therapy in december. I have recently claimed for ESA end have just received the medial questionaire to fill in. Since the functional questions on the form do not apply is it worth writing about fatigue, brest lymphodema and pain following the end of treatment? Also, if they refuse esa which looks like they will from the draconian philosophy they seem to have , is there anything I can claim. As i cant claim jsa as I have a job, just that my statutory sick pay has ran out.
Hi can anyone help me, my Mum has just been diagnosed with Bone Mets, after breast C and needs to continue to work so she can pay her mortgate, luckly she can still work physically, but not sure for how long, can anyone tell me if she will be entitled to any benefits that she can apply for so she could reduce her hours in work, but keep her income on a reasonable path, no one in my family has ever claimed anything so it is a complete muddy puddle, not sure where to start cheers
Dear Nicknack,
I thought this BCC publication on Breast Cancer and Benrfits may be helpful to you:
You could also give our helpline a ring for confidential information and support. They are open from 9-5 on weekdays and 9-2 on Saturdays. The number is 0808 800 6000.
Very best wishes
Janet
BCC Facilitator
Hi Guys
I had no idea of this dreadful system before my DX. I have worked my whole life, from school at 15, through Uni - espcially - then.
This WCP is so draconian that it can affect the result of of the dying. It has in Scotland. There are 3. Because they were not ill.
Their backpayments have been given to their estates. Because they were enought were to work.
Hi ive got sec to lungs might have to claim ESA does anyone know how much it is and do I claim under special rules like u do with dla thanks
Hi all,
For those of you entering this minefield, MacMillan are very good at advising on benefits - although they are most frustrated by the process. It’s a free phoneline that you can get on their website.
It would be nice to hear how how are all faring in your experiences, so do post.
In the frustrating meantime, work is going on behind the scenes. I REALLY urge you to make any concerns known to your political representatives, they are all aware of the situation facing “claimants” (the ill and disabled) and ATOS “customer” (the DWP)
If they are, or seem to be, indifferent to your concerns and experiences, then you might want to contact:-
Dame Anne Begg
Chair
Work and Pensions Select Committee
House of Commons
7 Millbank
London
SW1P 3JA
ATOS/DWP are under scrutiny my dears, and the misery they have and are still causing should, I hope and pray will, be brought to account.
Love and good wishes to you all.
Annie xxx
Well another day, another attack from the Government. I am sure that you are aware that this mob have cancer survivors firmly in the ctosshairs, and are consiering limiting ESA (sick pay) to a yeat, thereafter to be stopped.
My active treatment lasted 21 months, but the only concessions with regard to the ATOS farce is intraveneous chemo.
MacMillan have highlighted this poterntial crisis and Milliband has brough it up at Question Time, but these attacks continue unabated.
I have been sent another form to fill in (although I cannot hold a pen) even though I have lodged an appeal because of the errors in my report. I was interviewed for an hour and 10 minutes, yet still there are gaping mistakes. I have never encountered such unprofessionalism!!!
I am saddened that the thread seems to be drying up when the situation is worsening all the time.
It would be good to heat you experiences and follow up.
Only WE know what the assessment is - the insulting questions, the not-quite-so-hidden agenda behind them …
Take care, be brave and voice your experiences and concerns, I beg you.
Best wishes
Annie xx
I think it’s absolutely appalling that the government can pick on the people who need support the most. I’ve worked for 30 years without a break and when I realised I would be off work for over 6 months I applied for ESA contribution based thinking I’d paid my dues over the years. I gave up at the first hurdle to be honest and am now looking to return to work even though I am still undergoing treatment. They shouldn’t be allowed to get away with this
Re: All the ‘benefit scroungers’ propaganda in the media of late. Having found out that the one year limit is only going to apply to those who have worked and paid their full NI contributions, I feel duped. As far as I can tell all the legislation has gone through and the working people of the UK will not know what’s hit them until/if they are unfortunate enough to fall ill. Seems to me that cancer sufferers, with full NI contributions, have now become ‘scroungers’
needing to be stripped of their hard-earned entitlement. Easy targets, IMHO.
Molly
Absolutly
Until you have been through this farce, you might be excused that everyone with a “bad back” runs marathons and everyone with “depression” clubs away every night. Because that is the media spin.
Possibly you believe it, or did. Or Think that if you can “wash your torso”, then that is enough evidence that you can clean yourself. Because that is the criteria. No other. You might not be able to wash your head, knees, feet or backside. But if your tum is clean, ATOS/DWP may decide to take you off ESA
This is the future fr all who become ill. Would someone please please care enough to stop it. YES BCC - again, I ask you.
Annie
Annie xxxx
Hi everyone, just reading the posts on here, my GP has given me a medical certificate for 6 months,
does this mean that I will automatically qualify for ESA I have received completed and returned the questionnaire, do they look at my answers to determine whether I need to go for a medical,
or does the medical certificate guarantee me the ESA for at least 6 months,
I am very confused can someone help me out on this one please?
many thanks Liz xxx
Message from Kiran, BCC Policy & Campaigns:
Earlier in this thread (back in January) I recounted the work BCC is doing in this very important area. In March, we, along with 30 other cancer charities, wrote to Iain Duncan-Smith, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, to outline our grave concerns about the proposed welfare reforms and their impact on cancer patients. This included the time-limiting of contributory ESA.
This letter helped to secure considerable discussion about the issues at Second Reading of the Welfare Reform Bill during the Committee stage in the House of Commons.
Subsequently we were involved in shaping Professor Harrington’s Independent Review of Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) where we worked to come up with a new workable definition to identify which cancer patients should be automatically exempt from having to undergo a medical assessment for ESA. Breast Cancer Care also endorsed a draft amendment to the Bill for people with cancer to get financial support for additional costs immediately, rather than having to wait for 6 months.
All of this work and lobbying led to David Cameron and Ed Miliband having a heated discussion about the effects on changes to ESA for cancer patients during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs).
guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/jun/15/cameron-miliband-clash-benefits-for-cancer-patients
Subsequently we were asked to appear on BBC News to talk about the changes and implications for breast cancer patients. Our Director of Policy and Research, Jane Hatfield, spoke on the news programme on Wednesday 15th June. We also press released a statement about our concerns on the time-limiting issue because we had heard that the Government was considering amending their original proposal.
breastcancercare.org.uk/media-centre/all-our-latest-news/newsblog/newsblog-16-06-2011
We are keeping a close eye on this issue and will keep you updated of any more lobbying opportunities we have been engaged with and any movements on this issue. Our work in this are is usually featured on the ‘newsblog’ section of the BCC website.
If anyone is willing to be a possible case study for future media work on this or related issues please contact <script type=“text/javascript”>eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%22%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%4b%61%74%69%65%2e%61%72%63%68%65%72%40%62%72%65%61%73%74%63%61%6e%63%65%72%63%61%72%65%2e%6f%72%67%2e%75%6b%22%3e%4b%61%74%69%65%2e%61%72%63%68%65%72%40%62%72%65%61%73%74%63%61%6e%63%65%72%63%61%72%65%2e%6f%72%67%2e%75%6b%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29%3b’))</script>
For more information about our policy work in this area please contact <script type=“text/javascript”>eval(unescape(‘%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%22%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6b%69%72%61%6e%2e%64%68%61%6d%69%40%62%72%65%61%73%74%63%61%6e%63%65%72%63%61%72%65%2e%6f%72%67%2e%75%6b%22%3e%6b%69%72%61%6e%2e%64%68%61%6d%69%40%62%72%65%61%73%74%63%61%6e%63%65%72%63%61%72%65%2e%6f%72%67%2e%75%6b%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29%3b’))</script>
Sorry BCC
Yor position is timid. I would like to know if any of your staff have attended the interrogation that is the WCA conducted by ATOS?
Or read the disgraceful ATOS “Handbook”? If you did, your blood would run cold.
Criteria: if you can put either hard on the head (“as though to put on a hat”) - or indeed a wig, put either hand to the shoulder (“as though to put a hankerchief in one’s top pocket”) - who ARE these people???: if a ‘claimant’ can touch their thumb to each finger - they have “passed” their medical, and shunted off the derisoty ESA on to the even more desisory JSA.
You at BCC, MacMillan and the other paid charity workers seem as removed from this hideous abuse as those who perputrate it. This has been a hard and horrible realisation for so many.
Incidentally, most people who are going through this hell are too afraid to speak out. The disabled are demonised by the DWP/ATOS/the Press and the wall of silence about thier plight. Instead the TINY, TINY minority of abusers (less than 2%) are held up to be the norm.
Why are you not badgering the redtops??? The ‘popular’ media, orgsnising campaigns, postering - except for donations I see very little.
I dispair of the role of “charities” - And I once co-ordinated one!
Think on - there are people killing themselves, or considering it - and the charities organise fluffy events.
Annie
You know most people in this country are/would be appalled at the benefits issues for people with cancer, either primary or secondary.
Noone disputes that people with cancer NEED benefits and that are not going to be cheating the system, you can’t actually cheat a tumour!!
If I end up in one of these “assessments” and feel they aren’t doing things properly or are ignoring me, I will be taking a list with me and insisting that they take it. I will be making sure they are listening if they seem not to be I will challenge that.
Don’t be afraid to do this ladies, it’s a dehumanising experience enough as it is and I for one will not tolerate any BS from someone i don’t think understands.
IF I have the energy I will write to my MP and I will also go to the Jobcentre and take it higher, or even (gasp) organise some sort of a “sit-in” protest there (peaceful of course) and invite the local paper 
Amen to that sister!
In the absence of any real support for cancer survivors, and other people with disabilities, we have to support each other. We have to share THE EXPERIENCES THAT WE HAVE ENDURED and alert our fellow, unsuspecting, sisters and brothers to the horrors awaiting them. Because NOONE ELSE will. Expect to tell us to expect to “fail” the WCA and to appeal when we do. Thank you to all who have sent me private messages and emails. I share your disgust. The Harrington Report is being ignored. It was a bit of a half hearted, rushed document is any case. It is available on line, so with the Atos handbook, I urge you all to read it. This is policy what is affecting lives and deaths of all of those unlucky enough to become ill.
There is a link on the moderators post about the Milliband/Cameron debate on cancer survivors. I urge you to view it. The medical checks Cameron refers to is ATOS.
Good luck to you all. I cannot overstress that you have to involve your MPs in this debate. MacMillan are quite good at organising campaings so it is not difficult to enter into the debate usin their templates etc. BCC - take note!
My personal experience in this year that jaws drop when we explain the process (that we are not allowed to record, incidentally, unless ATOS set it up aat the “claimant’s” expense.
Your local press will jump all over this too, and the Nationals (Murdoch press and the Daily Mail excepted)
BBC will be running yet another expose (sorry, can’t put the inflection because this site is so very basic). Will inform you when it will be run (might be BBC Scotland …)
There is going to be a piece on Sunday in Scotland’s biggest Sunday -the Sunday Mail, written by Mark Aiken. He did a piece last sunday.
Please tune in. When the truth of what we have to endure is known, everyone is shocked. This time last year, I would not have believed the stories - they sounded so far fetched. You all know this.
But small things make big changes! Press, political involvment, talking to EVERYONE about the abuse that we know exists can cause shockwaves.
I am exhausted beyond words - and I passed the WCA, for 6 months.
I cannot stress enough that all of this is not self serving, it is outrage. I worry 24/7 about the huge shock facing all of those being newly dx, and those who are now suffering.
Mark Aiken ( the reporter who is looking into ATOS) told me that the ATOS centre is called Lourdes. Because the patient/claimant/non terminal cancer patient/stroke victim/wheelchair user/heart attack survivors come out cured and fit for work.
Anyhow my dears - there is too much suffering in silence, and complaining in private. These are interesting times.
Keep this thread going.
Annie xxxxx
Don’t forget that ATOS is working to a contract/script they are contracted into by the Government.
They don’t decide how to deliver the programme although the way in which they do it seems really poor.