Cancer Patients Encouraged to Claim Disability Benefits Up to £737 Monthly

Cancer can be a challenging journey, not just physically and emotionally, but also financially. Many people with cancer may not be aware that they could be eligible for disability benefits to help ease some of the financial burdens. In Scotland, a cancer charity and the government are working together to ensure that cancer patients receive the support they need.

Claim Disability Benefits Up to £737 Monthly

Cancer Card Scotland and the Scottish Government are working together to help cancer patients see if they can get disability benefits. Jen Hardy MBE, who started Cancer Card Scotland, and Shirley-Anne Somerville, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, want to make sure people with cancer get the financial help they deserve.

Types of Disability Payments

In Scotland, there are two main types of disability payments:

• Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
• Child Disability Payment (CDP)

These payments help cover extra costs for people with disabilities, long-term illnesses, or mental and physical health conditions. If someone is terminally ill, Social Security Scotland can fast-track their application, sometimes deciding in just 48 hours.

Eligibility for Cancer Patients

For cancer patients who are applying for disability benefits under the standard rules, there is a specific waiting period that must be met. This waiting period ensures that the condition is long-term and not temporary. Here are the details:

• Qualifying Period:
  • Initial Duration: The long-term condition or disability must have lasted for at least 13 weeks. This means that from the time the condition was diagnosed or recognized, it should have persisted for a minimum of 13 weeks.
  • Future Expectation: The condition or disability will continue for at least another 39 weeks. This projection is based on medical assessments and the nature of the illness or disability.
• Purpose of the Waiting Period:
  • The waiting period ensures that the benefits are provided to individuals with long-term and significant health issues. It helps differentiate between temporary conditions and those that have a lasting impact on daily life.
  • This period allows for a thorough assessment of the individual’s condition, ensuring that the support is appropriate and necessary.
• Application Process:
  • During the application process, medical evidence and documentation will be required to demonstrate that the condition has lasted for the required 13 weeks and is expected to continue for the additional 39 weeks.
  • Applicants may need to provide medical records, doctor’s notes, and other relevant information to support their claim.
• Impact on Daily Life:
  • The condition or disability should substantially impact the individual’s ability to perform normal daily activities. This includes physical, mental, and emotional effects that hinder their ability to work, care for themselves, or engage in social activities.
• Support and Assistance:
  • Social Security Scotland offers support to help individuals through the application process. This includes phone or in-person assistance, ensuring that applicants understand the requirements and can provide the necessary documentation.

By meeting these criteria, cancer patients can access the financial support they need to cover the additional costs associated with their condition. This support can significantly improve their quality of life, helping them manage the challenges that come with a long-term illness.

Jen Hardy’s Story

Jen Hardy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017. She started Cancer Card Scotland to help other cancer patients find support. Jen shared that many people think disability benefits are only for those with constant physical disabilities, but that’s not true. Cancer can affect daily activities, both physically and mentally.

Jen needs a life-extending Herceptin infusion every three weeks, which takes several hours and leaves her very tired. She said that financial support, like the Blue Badge and Adult Disability Payment, helps her do many things she otherwise couldn’t.

Government Support

Shirley-Anne Somerville said that ADP and CDP are meant to help with the extra costs of disabilities and long-term health conditions like cancer. She encouraged eligible people to apply for these benefits, noting that cancer treatments and appointments can take a lot of time.

Social Security Scotland can help people apply for these payments over the phone or in person. The independent advocacy service Voice Ability also helps disabled people apply for Scottish benefits.

Adult Disability Payment Rates

ADP is usually paid every four weeks, except for terminally ill people, who get weekly payments. The payment amounts range from £28.70 to £184.30 per week, which is £114.80 to £737 every four weeks.

Component	Standard Rate	Enhanced Rate
Daily Living	£72.65	£108.55
Mobility	£28.70	£75.75

Additional Support

Cancer Card Scotland also offers a free digital helpline for cancer patients in the UK. They help with using digital devices like computers and smartphones. Free digital devices are available for those who need them. The helpline can be reached at 0345 222 0333 (mention ‘Cancer Card’) and is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

Click the link to learn more