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Benefit Help??

Annatt

21yr old daughter has been diagnosed with cancer and going through Chemotherapy. Not sure about the future as yet.
She has taken an interruption from study for a year from her 5 year University course (was receiving student finance this had to stop) and has no income.
She tried to claim Universal credit but unfortunately she is still classed as a student therefore not entitled.
Now trying to claim PIP as she is receiving more aggressive chemo treatment and is unwell and in danger of infection from a low immune system.
It will take over 6 months for her claim even to be seen!!!
Surely the benefit system is wrong.... Why can't University students with Cancer, undergoing chemotherapy treatment who can't study or work be legible for Universal credit?

Also under these circumstances why can't PIP be fast tracked?
Are there any benefits she could be accessing?

I can't access any benefits for her.

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Comments

poppy123456

If she’s no longer a student then I don’t see why she can’t claim UC in her own right.

She will need to report her health condition supported by a fit note when she claims. As she’s going through cancer treatment she will be referred for a work capability assessment on day one of her claim. She will need to make sure she fills in the part about cancer treatment in the UC50 form when she receives it. She will be entitled to LCWRA automatically from the 4th month of her claim.

For PIP the fast track claim is for those with end of life that have been diagnosed with 12 months or less.

I would also advise you to contact MacMillan cancer support and they will advise you about all her benefits claims because they are fantastic with things like this.
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/about-us/contact-us
The only 2 benefits are Universal Credit and PIP.

Annatt

Thank you Poppy 123456.

Unfortunately, she is still classed as a student as she has taken a year out not withdrawn (as she does not know how her cancer will respond to the chemotherapy treatment but has been advised it will take up to year or longer depending on the outcome of Chemotherapy) (If she withdraws fro University she would not be able to re-enter any medical school /access student loan in the future. At this point mentally she needs to see some hope in the future)
She is seen as 'still receiving education' at this stage?!
Therefore not eligible for UC.

Macmillian's have been sympathetic and helpful and she was able to access £300 which went part way to transport her belongings from University home.

Citizens advice also sympathetic and found it unbelievable students are treated in such a manner.

poppy123456

Annatt said:

Citizens advice also sympathetic and found it unbelievable students are treated in such a manner.

I have to completely agree with that. Students and UC do not mix and there's no exception for managed migration for those currently claiming Tax credits and about to move to UC either.

Best wishes for your daughter with her treatment!

Annatt

Thank you.

Jimm_Alumni

I can hardly believe this situation either. I'm so sorry you had and your daughter had to go through this. Always so many hoops and exceptions to go through.

Have you also looked at Turn2us Grants Search? They may be able to help you find other support while going through this.

I wish you and your daughter the best. We're always here if you need someone just to chat to or if you've any questions.

Annatt

Thank you. We will try

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