@southwest123 this is a good idea! Thank you!
That’s great that you were able to do this and were supported x
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Hiya
So sorry you’re having to get your head around this as well as dealing with your diagnosis and treatment.
You’ve had some great advice and I echo others in saying MacMillan are fantastic and really helpful. Deffo give them a call.
The other thing I’m fairly sure you will be able to apply for is PIP (Personal Independence Payment) It is not means tested and the payments which you get for about 2-3 years are tax free. There may be some restrictions on the hours you are allowed to work while on it, but I’d certainly look into it if I were you. Have a chat with the Citizens Advice Bureau who can fill you in on the finer details. They can also help you with completing the application if you do go ahead with it. If you are awarded PIP you will get pay backdated to the point of diagnosis.
Good luck. I know it isn’t easy, but persistence can pay off.
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I’m struggling too. I work in a school however I was made redundant December 2024. I received a redundancy package (9K - long gone), however I went back to my school under a different role. Fast forward to 2026 upon receiving my bc diagnosis because I have officially only worked there for a year I’m only eligible for 2 months full pay and 2 months half pay and ssp afterwards. No point to this, only really frustrated that all my years of service, 18 years, means nothing to them. Don’t know how I am going to pay my bills and keep a roof over our heads. Due to start chemo in august
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@gillian1 this is awful!! So you’re at the same organisation but because you had a break in service (through redundancy, not choice), they aren’t giving you the full entitlement?
This is absolutely appalling. Are you in a Union?
Im speechless. And furious for you.
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That’s correct. They have stated because I took the (forced) redundancy package and had a break in service this is all that they can offer me. I had to argue for the 2nd month as it was under 12 months at the time of my diagnosis. We are being taken over by a big academy in September so we have no allies that we can draw support from
What a truly awful organisation. Despicable to do this to you when you are going through so much.
I wonder if ACAS could help you? When you feel up to it, maybe call Citizens Advice as well.
I don’t think ive ever felt this angry on behalf of a stranger. Im so sorry this is happening to you.
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Hi, you will be eligible for the ESA allowance once you’re on half pay, it’s not much but it’s worth it. The PIP allowance might be worth a try too. I also looked in to accrued holiday pay as you’re not able to spend your holidays as you’re not always well enough. It’s worth asking your HR about this. They may be able to give you holiday you’re entitled to as pay rather than time off.
Do your employers have an employee support scheme that you can call for advice?
Good luck with everything. Xx
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Working while you claim
You can usually work while you are claiming ESA if both of the following apply:
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you work less than 16 hours a week
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you do not earn more than £203.50 a week
You can do as many hours of voluntary work as you like.
Tell Jobcentre Plus about your work including any volunteering when you make a claim.
If you’re already claiming ESA and want to start work, fill in the ESA permitted work form. Send the form to Jobcentre Plus.
This is from www.gov.uk and when claiming New Style ESA it also covers your National Insurance credits. You can work as many hours as you like when claiming PIP and it is tax free.
Lee x
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Exactly.
Under the Equality Act 2010, cancer is automatically classified as a disability. You are protected from the exact moment of diagnosis, even if the cancer is early-stage, has no symptoms, or is in remission.
Under the Equality Act 2010, there is no single “blanket rule” granting unlimited sick leave, but employers are legally required to modify their standard sickness policies to ensure you are not penalized for cancer-related absences.
ASK AI: an invaluable resource for this kind of thing
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Hi once your sick pay drops, start the ball rolling with applying for New Style ESA based on your own previous NI contributions. I was diagnosed between jobs ( I had already received my final salary plus hol pay). As a cancer suffer you dont need to fill the form out completely. You have to get someone who is looking after you to sign etc. Initially was placed in “Looking for work” category but the lady from job centre told me this was just a formality for about 8wks with a Sick Note sent in , then I was moved to Not actively seeking work which is indefinite due to Disability Act. Never stepped into Job Centre all done over phone. Lots of info on gov website but remember its New Style ESA you need., gives all the financial and rules etc. Godd luck and hope everything goes wel.
Navigating sick pay policies and department variations at a university while going through long-term treatment can feel really overwhelming.
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