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Vicky Oliver · Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Posts: 3

In response to Glynis's story I also experienced huge problems sorting out my fathers finances. He doesn't have a partner, lived on the Isle of Man, had a house and ran a business. Not only did I have to battle with the benefits agencies here but also the Isle of Man agencies. He was a resident in the IoM until he was moved to Liverpool for diagnosis. I then moved him to Bristol and ceased his residency on the IoM. This caused so much confusion within an already confused benefits system. I had to obtain Power of Attorney and send it to every individual institute I wanted to deal with which was a nightmare. There was so much pressure to get it signed as we didn't know how long he had to live and everything could have gone to the state to sort out. A year on (on Monday) and my father is still alive and I have pretty much sorted out his finances.

There should be a benefits person available for you to meet at the hospital - they should help with all forms. Your social worker should also be able to help.

Keep plugging away and go for everything. At times its the last thing you want to do but when you have no more calls to make and "on hold" music to listen to its a great feeling.

- here are some sites that might help others experiencing problems

http://www.entitledto.co.uk/ - benefits analysis
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/home.aspx - if you have already applied for some funding your Specialist nurse can apply again on your behalf.
http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/
http://www.speakability.org.uk/ - local groups for people suffering from Dyshasia

My father paid into BUPA for years but when it came to it this was a useless policy to have. We managed to squeeze some money out of them for him being in an NHS hospital (daily amount) but nothing in comparison to his premiums.

Hope this has helped a little.

Vicky

Vicky Oliver · Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Posts: 3

http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Re...Travelinsurance/travel_sept06.pdf

Vicky Oliver · Joined: 17 Aug 2006 Posts: 3

http://www.bts.lotsahelpinghands.com/ Found this site. We are goign to give it a go. Hopefully good for keeping track of appts and who's doing what.

Gerard Tucker · Joined: 07 Apr 2008 Posts: 2

Our 9 year old daughter Tori was diagnosed with a tumour in April 2006. Immediately my wife Katie gave up her work to become Tori's carer and we, like you started to try and understand the Welfare Benefits system

I am a local government officer and sought the guidance and advice of our district council's Welfare Benefits advisor. We remain truly indebted to them for not only guiding us through the complexities of the system, but also for being so kind, considerate and understanding of our situation. My guidance to anyone who finds themselves in a similar position is to contact their Local Authority - it certainly worked for us.

Regards
Gerard