PIP.....YES YES YES!!

[Chocolates]

Bump for marie and Tilly. Start from the beginning and read through. Pm me if not sure xxx

[Nicole_BCC]

Hello Mrsblue

We can keep an eye our for the 2015 renewal and post this infomation as per your suggestion. Not a problem. 

Forum Coordinator

Nicole Talbot

[mrsblue]

Thank you Nicole, your reply is helpful 🙂

I looked at the BCC page that you mention, and I see that it is to be reviewed this year, and I'm sure the 2015 version will have relevance to those whose DLA might be changed to PIP on renewal.

Please can you, or someone in BCC, post on this Secondaries forum when the 2015 version is available? - on this thread, or even better as a separate sticky thread.

[Nicole_BCC]

Hi Mrsblue,

I am sorry but we wouldn’t be able to answer any questions in relation to DWP allowances or benefits here on the forum.

I would however like to point you towards our Finance and Practicalities  web page where you can find information regarding ‘Special Rules’, DLA, DWP and help which you can receive from your local Citizen Advice bureau. I have provided the link below, I hope that you find it useful. Thank you.

http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/breast-cancer-information/impact-breast-cancer/finances-practical...

Forum Coordinator

Nicole Talbot

[mrsblue]

I wonder if BCC can clarify this question for those of you who are in this situation?  There are horrific stories of people being called for a walking assessment and deliberately kept waiting long after their appointment time, so the assessors (whose job it is to cave as much money as possible) can see whether the applicant is capable of walking to the loo... degrading, yes this is the UK in 2014 (sorry I don't have a link to post but I have seen it somewhere on the internet, I think a disability forum?)

Hoping that BCC will realise how worried we are.... please BCC, look at this thread again, and respond, even if it is to say thay you cannot help.

[Helen_12]

Hi ,I've been receiving DLA and had renewal letter it does imply that it may stay the same or receive less or none at all and not sure special rules ,ie ds1500 will guarantee it either ! I am really worried that mine will stop as I rely on this quite heavily ,has anyone else managed to switch over from DLA to PIP with /without any hassle ? Regards Helen12 x

[mrsblue]

Some people have had DLA under Special Rules, but have had a renewal letter that seems to imply they will be changed to PIP (I guess it depends on exact age?) and I know someone whose renewal letter does NOT mention Special Rules!! Anyone have experience of this situation?

[EJ81]

Really useful thread, have just a had good read through. Was getting fed up with so much pain in my nails I can't even pull tights on!! Decided to ring Drs earlier this week and she was fine about signing DS1500 so I rang DWP and just have to wait and see now. Fingers crossed xx

[2catlady]

Hi,nessa,have you got secondary breast cancer. If so and you have difficulty moving with pain etc you will be able to apply. You can ask your onc or GP to sign a DS1500 this doesn't mean he thinks you only have 6 months to live,so don't panic.
If you have primary I don't think you will be entitled to claim as your condition will not effect your mobility or being able to look after onself.
Hope this helps,hugs,Helen xx

[June_BCC]

Hello Nessa51

Welcome to the forums, you've come to the right place for support as the users of this site have a wealth of experience and knowledge between them.

If you would like to talk to someone in confidence you may like to phone our helpline  where you can talk to a member of staff who are there to support you. The free phone number is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00 and Saturday 10.00 to 2.00.

I have also attached a link to the finacial page of the Macmillan site as you may find this helpful.

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Livingwithandaftercancer/Financialissues/Financialissu...

Best wishes

June, moderator

[nessa51]

Hi ,

I have just joined this forum you all appear to be very suppotive.

 Could you tell me if i would be entitled to claim PIP, I have  breast cancer, I have had surgery and i am starting chemo on thursday then radiotherapy followed by two  lots of Tablets   1 for 5years then 1 for 10 year.

i would be greatful for any advise.

Thankyou

[Bevlaar]

Well done all you ladies on getting your mobility!
Hope your kuga arrives in time for xmas Janette.
It sounds fantastic! Enjoy! xxx

[LemonDrizzle]

Janette, hope it comes with a pretty big bow on Santa's sleigh!
LD x

[rosie53]

Hi LD, i get my Kuga anytime from the 20th Dec, its on the boat as we speak!! I hope it comes before we crimbo, we are going to Bowness on New Years Eve for a few days and really want to go in my new "posh car" 🙂 i told my hubby i could have a nice little snooze while he drives us there 🙂
hugs Janette x x

[Mowser]

 🙂 🙂

[LemonDrizzle]

I agree Mowser, go for it.
LD x

[Mowser]

Thanks LD and Janette, really helpful!

So it is the mobility part of the payment that goes towards a new car? Great, very clear. Think its about time I traded my old banger in, Or gifted it to my son!  

Thanks

Mowser xxx

[LemonDrizzle]

Janette, wow - a Ford Kuga! We looked at those when my husband bought his new car back in summer and they're really nice. You'll not want to mix with us on here any more when you get your posh car!!! How long do you have to wait for it? I've got to wait until middle of January unless they can somehow magically find one before then.
LD x

[LemonDrizzle]

Hi Mowser, I am now the proud owner of a blue badge and, although I don't want it and feel a real fraud having one, had a great time yesterday parking in a disabled space right outside Asda in the pouring rain while everybody else was searching for a space which would stop them getting drenched!
I'm assuming you got your blue badge after being awarded the mobility part of PIP at the enhanced rate of £56.75 a week. All you do is take the certificate into a garage when you choose a car and they do the rest, if you don't want a car you can keep the money instead. Some cars need a one off payment up front because they are a more expensive car but many don't. The car is leased for 3 years but only the mobility part of the award is taken, you still get the daily living allowance paid to you. There are no hidden costs, even insurance for you and another driver is covered so that's a saving to you. If you still qualify for PIP after the three years you apply again and start to choose another new car.
I've chosen (well hubby decided really) a new car and am going to pay £200 as a one off cost so I can get a higher spec car than I usually have. It's as posh as my husbands so he's very happy too and can't wait to drive me about, if I'll let him. Hubby is out now Christmas shopping for my presents and I can't wait for him to come home with my favourite cake from M&S!!
Hope this helps as it really is a bitter sweet award, but hey ho I've put money into the system for years through taxes and I haven't asked for this crap dx so I'm slowly coming round to being pleased about it.
LD x

[rosie53]

You have it for the length of your award 3yrs then you can either buy it at the end of the 3yrs or just swap it for a new one.
Janette x

[Mowser]

Thanks,

One more thing, It is it an ongoing leasing thing, or does actually it belong to you after a certain period of time? Because the amount they award at the highest rate for both partys seems a lot as a loan cost for a car?  

[rosie53]

Hi Mowser, i got awarded PIP both parts at the higher rate last month. I assume you get this as you have your blue badge. You can keep the mobility part as a cash award or you can have a motorbility car, i am waiting for my new Ford Kuga its so simple to do all you do is give your award letter to the motor dealer with some ID and they the rest
PIP is a bitersweet thing Mowser, i hate the fact that i have to have it but hey just think of it as a financial worry that is now less, we have enough to worry about with this nasty unpredictable illness as it is!!!
hugs Janette x x

[Mowser]

Hey lovely cake lady!!!

I read what you said about motability. Explain a little more to me about this?. My current car is falling apart-I have just been awarded a Blue Disability badge, and a PIP which I , like you, received with very mixed feelings. I dont want to need it or have others judging that I need it because it brings the reality and uncurability of this bloody awful disease home to me.

Having said that, can I use the Motability scheme now I have a blue badge ot get a car? Not sure exactly how it works. I will research this on line too, but quite honestly, sometimes its easier to hear it from someone who knows exactly how it works rather than having to read a load of technical jargon!!

Any thoughts, advice expereicne welcomed!!

Love and hugs

Mowser xxx 

[LemonDrizzle]

Tink, it's nearly 2 weeks since I received mine and I still can't get excited. Went into town on Monday to pay for blue badge but I still feel I shouldn't be getting it. Wasn't bothered about getting a motability car as mine is only 12 months old but hubby talked me into ordering one with a higher spec so I'm hoping to get excited when that arrives. We do deserve it I know, but I understand exactly how you feel.
LD x

[rosie53]

Hi Tink, i understand how you feel, i also felt that way when i got mine last month its bitter sweet isnt it. But it has taken the financial pressure off me and my oh and i am now dropping a day at work in the new year
You enjoy it love you deserve to get it....there are many people out there claiming all sorts of benefits they are NOT entitled to grrr don't get me started on that one!!!
hugs Janette x x

[2catlady]

Tink,xxx I know what you mean xxxx

[Tinkerbelle]

Hi ladies,

Well, I have received PIP at the enhanced rate but can't seem to feel excited about it; maybe that comes later.

Tink x

[Lakeslover]

Hi,

pIP is paid if you need help caring for yourself ( including cooking), or with mobility.

Usually you must have needed this help for three months and it must be expected to last at least 6 months. It can take a long time to be assessed.

You apply for PIP under special rules if you have been diagnosed as having less than 6 months to live. In those circumstances the initial 3 month waiting period is waived, and the decision is fast tracked and should take less than 3 weeks.

If your mum is just unable to work she would need to look into other benefits, for the employed that would be ssp for 6 months then esa. I'm not sure about self employed.

A Macmillan benefits adviser would be able to tell her what she can claim for, and how to apply.

[geordiex]

My Maggies centre did mine got £138 every week and Blue Badge we have 2 badges now as eldest daughters in a wheelchair xx

[jenny29]

Hi fergal

Im self employed as well and am trying to apply.

I have received some contradictory advice - I rang macmillians who seemed to think I was eligible to apply. However the local nurse and oncologist I spoke to about it seemed to think it only applied if one had a diagnosis of six months to live.

I found the mobility questions difficult and confusing to answer right.

LD, congrats on getting it, even though it feels like a mixed blessing.

[2catlady]

Hi,fergal,I think you have to have had condition for three months and will still have it in six months. But I'm not sure if claiming under special rules (ds1500)
Xxxx

[fergal_jay]

Hi all my mum has just been diagnosed and awaiting first chemo appointment, she's self employed we do and so exhausted (from the shock and worry I think) she already can't work. Do you have to have a certain duration of treatment already done before you can claim PIP as it wasn't mentioned to me by financial advisor

Thanks

[LemonDrizzle]

Thanks Bev, that makes perfect sense. Funny to think of you coughing or limping, I was so convinced there would be someone spying on me to make sure I was eligible for PIP when I applied that I used to shuffle walking to the car and then make a drama of getting in and out again!
LD x

[Bevlaar]

Like abilucy and nicky, i also felt a bit of a fraud when i got my PIP and blue badge.. to the point that i would deliberately cough (or start limping would u believe!!) when i got out of my car after parking !!
Now though after all ive been through with my breathing etc. I dont give a flying fig what people think!
We're probably in worse positions medically than the elderly people on walking sticks so dont worry at all LD ......you deserve this more than most other people with a badge no doubt!
And use the extra money like me on lovely xmas treats. Can't wait to hit the aisles of M and S food hall and I'll be giving my children a lovely monetary gift this year in their xmas cards.
So enjoy and look forward to xmas.
Love bev xxxx

[LemonDrizzle]

Just rang up to apply for blue badge, this all seems so unreal and don't want it really. Hopefully I'll snap out of it soon and see the benefits PIP gives instead.
LD x

[abilucy]

I've been getting my payment for a few months now and you do have mixed feelings about it to begin with. I got over that and went out and ordered a new Mercedes B class in September, was so excited as never have had a brand new car or one as 'fancy'. Original due date was mid November then 4th December so we arranged for hubbys lease car to go back 1st December. Got an email today advising new del date will be sometime in March, one option they suggested is to take an old model and pay an extra £300!? Can't manage without a car for up to 4 months so hoping Motability can get involved tomorrow and sort something out. Nothing is ever simple is it.

Xx

[nicky08]

That is good news and no delays - even better! I agree on how bitter sweet it is to be awarded this under special rules but it does come in handy whether you are still working or not. I do treat myself, and the family, with some of it but also have to use some of it for essential travel. Especially when I have to go to my specialist in London to have my heart checked - all caused by chemo treatment 6 years ago!
Nicky x

[Bevlaar]

Great news LD! Treat yourself to something nice to celebrate! xxx

[rosie53]

LD thats great news!!! I understand you feeling a little unsure about it i did too, but you are entitled to it so enjoy the financial pressure it can lift. We are living with an unpredictable illness LD...enjoy being able to treat yourself!!!
Hugs Janette x x

[LemonDrizzle]

Received the letter today saying that I've got it, both parts at the enhanced rate. Not sure how I feel about it, but trying to be positive. Took less than 2 weeks, so not as long as I expected. Hope everyone else is successful too.
LD x

[rosie53]

LD thats great, it was my lovely GP who filled my DS1500 form, my onc or bcn wouldnt do it, got mine through within 3wks and got it back dated £3,350!! Its bitter sweet LD wish i didnt have to get it but we cant change our dx so just enjoy the financial pressure it will off you.
Hugs Janette x x

[Ethel_horner]

Yes! Mine has been the best too xxx

[LemonDrizzle]

Just had a phone call from my lovely GP who said she would willingly sign the ds1500 but wanted to make sure that I was aware that it would state that I could die within 6 months and she didn't want me to pick up the form and become distressed, bless her! She then said she's sure I'll still be here in 6 years instead of 6 months, so she's cheered me up on a horrible windy, wet afternoon here in the north west.
Hope anyone else applying also has a sympathetic doctor.
LD x

[stresshead]

Thanks ladies..will look into it. x

[carolsav]

Try not to worry. I didnt even know a doctor had to sign anything when i claimed...irs trye that ignorance is bliss lol x

[LemonDrizzle]

Hi carolsav
You're right I am glad I rang as it was far easier than I thought. Now I'm worrying in case GP won't sign ds1500. I never used to be like this - it's frightening how this diagnosis has knocked my confidence in every way.
LD x

[carolsav]

Well done LD. You will feel relieved it wasnt as bad as you thought! Hope its not too long for the decision letter x

[LemonDrizzle]

Hi cw. The phone call was only short and the questions very simple. I had to give National Insurance number, bank account details and details of GP and oncologist or bcn including postcode and phone number. I had them all written down to speed it all up as my brain doesn't seem to work as well as it used to when remembering things! I was also asked 3 questions about mobility. Hope this helps. LD x

[Bevlaar]

Hi cw. ...i rang the dwp and made the initial claim over the phone just asked few basic easy questions then sent me out the 60 page form in post. My macmillan adviser at the hospital told me to take the forms straight to her and we sat together while she filled in most of my info from my computer notes. Asked about my breathlessness but she could see what it was like (wasnt as bad then as it is now) and said I'd probably get the higher rate mobility too. Was only there half an hour. All i had to do was sign them.
She then got my Onc to fill out a ds1500 form to send off with the others the next day and i received my payment 2-3 weeks later. I had £990 backdated to when i first made the tel claim (as it took 5 weeks for them to send them to me). Then the same week i had the higher rate PIP paid into my bank weekly .....it was £550 a month so £138.05 a week. That included the enhanced rate of mobility allowance. I could then apply for a blue badge for the car which took about 10 days to come through.

No medicals involved or questions asked.

Go for it...youre bound to get it.....good luck! xxxx