I've just been diagnosed with throat cancer. Do I need to tell PIP? Can I write to them, not call?

scottydog1234

Hi I have just been diagnosed with throat cancer. I am in receipt of higher rate of both elements of PIP I’m yet to find out the staging ie if it is terminal or not. Do I have to inform PIP and also I am losing my voice so can I write to them if I need to inform them. My current claim runs out in 9 months. 

Thank you

Jo_2022

Good morning @scottydog1234! 👋🏻 

A special welcome to you on Scope. 

I am deeply sorry to hear about the Cancer Diagnosis. 

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, that must be really difficult to come to terms with living with Throat Cancer.

Yes I think it would be a good idea to inform the PIP department about the staging of your diagnosis. Also, there is a Charity called the Citezens Advice, which helps people with benefit applications; they can write a letter on your behalf explaining that you are losing your voice.

Take care 

poppy123456

Jo_2022 said:

Yes I think it would be a good idea to inform the PIP department about the staging of your diagnosis.

That's quite poor advice here, i'm sorry. @scottydog1234 already receives Enhanced rate for both parts of PIP so reporting changes wil not make any difference to their award.

You do need to be extremely careful when reporting changes because doing this can prompt more forms to be sent out and the whole process starts all over again. Quite pointless in this case because of the award they already have.

PIP is also not about a diagnosis.

calcotti

Jo_2022 said:Yes I think it would be a good idea to inform the PIP department about the staging of your diagnosis. 

Definitely not.
Do not advise them. If you report a change it will almost certainly trigger a new assessment which you don't want. Even if you were not getting a full award there would be no need to report a diagnosis, you would only want to report a change if you were experiencing health difficulties that might change your PIP assessment.
Furthermore, at the moment I doubt you have clarity about what the diagnosis means, what the treatment might involve and whether there is long term impact. You might only be affected by a period of less than 12 months and might have no impact on PIP anyway.

janer1967

Hi @scottydog1234 welcome to the community 

I just wanted to say I'm sorry about your diagnosis it must be hard to come to terms with and I hope you are coping and have good support 

Take care 

scottydog1234

thank you everyone for your positive feedback. I was concerned about triggering a reassessment, which, I could certainly do without at the moment! I am just in the process of informing my family which I’m finding challenging.

I am in a wheelchair and am not in good health which was of concern to the person diagnosing me who advised me to get as fit as I could? Not sure how to go about that. A question to ask when I’m seen by my cancer team. 

Yes it was a shock but I have helped my father through 10 years of cancer treatments so have some knowledge of the processes involved. He passed away 4 years ago.

Thanks again for your advise. My Dad stayed positive throughout and I will endeavor to do so too.

janer1967

Great attitude which will help get you through 

I'm in wheelchair and currently trying to find suitable exercises there some.sittung exercises for strength etc on NHS website 

Will also let you know if I fund anything else suitable 

Sandy_123

Hi @scottydog1234 I also want to say how sorry I am that you have received that awful diagnosis, staying possitive is a good thing. It can be difficult to tell family and close freinds, they will all want to support you. We are all here too if you want to let of steam or need advice.

scottydog1234

Thank you both for your replies. 

fudgee

Very sorry to hear of your diagnosis, I would report any changes, has your doctor referred you to SALT they can help support you with other communication methods which will be really helpful. 

poppy123456

fudgee said:

 I would report any changes,

That's not correct here, which has been advised here.

poppy123456 said:

Jo_2022 said:

Yes I think it would be a good idea to inform the PIP department about the staging of your diagnosis.

@scottydog1234 already receives Enhanced rate for both parts of PIP so reporting changes wil not make any difference to their award.

SueHeath

Morning @scottydog1234 Welcome to our great friendly and very caring group.
I am sorry to hear about your cancer, please stay positive x
The forum is the best online, my opinion of course, so stay with us - we don't mind any rantings/frustrations that you may have, or just friendly chats, which can help if your feeling low or lonely or even bored, I find the coffee lounge a great place and it helps me with distraction.

Stay strong and I look forward to seeing you around the site.

Sue_Alumni

Good morning @scottydog1234

I an reassured that you will follow the advice of poppy and calcotti and that there is no benefit to  you to report the deterioration in your conditions as you already have enhanced awards. Whilst you are under an obligation to report a change of circumstance this is not such a change. It is not in your interests to contact the DWP as this would be likely to trigger an assessment. 

As you have seen we are a warm and friendly community and very supportive. You have some difficult times ahead which you seem to be facing with positivity. Stay strong and do keep in touch.  We are all here if you need a virtual shoulder to cry on  !

calcotti

fudgee said:.. I would report any changes,..

As already discussed in some detail that is not necessary and is of no benefit to OP - quite to the contrary.