Must leave country - tell DWP?

Waylay

Hi all,

I found out a few days ago that my Mum has terminal colon cancer. She'd been feeling off for a couple weeks, and was having abdominal pain, so she went to A&E on Monday night. On Wednesday they took a fist-sized tumour and half her colon out. There were other, smaller tumours in her abdominal cavity and 1 in her stomach. They're still typing the tumour, but the surgeon says with the amount it has spread, she might have 2 years left, if she does aggressive chemo and it works. She eats well, no smoking, only a bit of wine, and does aqua aerobics 3x per week! She's way healthier than me, and she's 76! Except... Not. Wow. Still reeling. 

I'm getting a temporary passport, Dad is using air miles to fly me there (Canada), and I leave the 29th. I'll be back 27 days later so I don't lose my benefits (ESA, PIP, SDP, EDP, HB). I can't really care for her , but I can keep her company. Anyway. Sorry.

Do I need to tell the DWP? My Council? I sent in an ESA form about a month ago, but no assessment yet. Should I call Maximus? Anything else? I'm so anxious and sad I'm not sleeping, and I'm out of it. Thought I'd ask.

Thanks.

poppy123456

Hi,

I'm so sorry to hear that!!

Normally i would advise that you don't need to tell them you're going because it's less than 28 days but because you recently returned a work capability assessment form then you will need to ring DWP and the health assessment providers to tell them you'll be out of the country and for how long.

Maximus don't do work capability assessments. Health assessment advisory service do them, so it will be these you need to ring.

https://www.chdauk.co.uk/employment-and-support-allowance-esa

The reason i advise you to tell them is because most people have face to face assessments and if you're sent an appointment date while you're away then you could miss that assessment. Failure to attend an assessment your money could stop and you could be found fit for work. If an assessment is needed then ask if they can postpone it until you return, whether this is possible i don't know. If you're sent an appointment letter while you're away and your ESA stops you'll have good reason why you couldn't attend because 1/ you told them before you left and 2/ you needed to go because of your mum.

Best wishes to your mum and safe journey to you!

Sam_Alumni

Hi @Waylay
I am so sorry to hear about your mum, what a shock to you all. 
I hope you get to spend some time with her and that you are doing ok. If you would like to speak to someone about your mum's diagnosis, you can call Macmillan free on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am - 8pm).

Waylay

Thank you both

thespiceman

Hello @Waylay   Sorry to hear about your Mother. Please if I can help with any thing. Please get in touch.

Only too happy to be supportive.

Best wishes to your Mother and your self.

Take care.

@thespiceman

Richard_Scope

Hi @Waylay
I'm so sorry to read your news. Please do contact Macmillan as @Sam_Scope
has suggested. Remember we are all here for you as a community. 

Adrian_Scope

I'm really sorry to read this @Waylay. Please let us know if there's anything we can do to support you. 
Wishing you, your mum and your family all the best.

EricaMcD

I am really sorry to hear about your mum.  It should make a real difference to you and your mum that you are able to be with her in person.  Wishing you all the very best. 

Chloe_Alumni

Hi @Waylay, I'm so sorry to hear about your mum! You being there will give her a lot of support I'm sure. If you need anything then please do let us know, the community is always here.

debsidoo

Hi @Waylay
Sorry to hear about your mum.xx Just remember to make some wonderful memories while you are with her these will carry you through the dark times.xx
      Debsidoo.x