My mum has just been diagnosed with cancer and will be undergoing 6 months of chemotherapy. If I quit my job to be with her and to care for her, will I be eligible for any benefits?
Hi yes you can get registered as a carer then you get carers money as long as you don't get a government pension, citizens advice might be best place to try, i spent months going through everything some you get easily others loads of paper work and all you money details hope you get sorted but it's a real jungle,. Just thought try attendance allowance as well,. Good luck.
Hi its a real mine field when they ask for any details give them everything you've got including things they don't ask for, when i did some of mine they kept asking for more things each time i think there trying to get you fed up an stop doing it and some tell you you cannot have something when you can,. Again good luck.
Please think before quitting your job completely. I know your first priority is your mum, no matter what. However the caring allowance is only £250 a month and you will also be entitled to universal credit but it doesn't necessarily kick in at once, if you quit your job. However if you go off sick it will kick in, when you work sick pay runs out. Attendance Allowance goes to the person being cared for not you and it is £85 a month roughly but it is worth applying for if your mother doesnt have it. Also I don't know your mothers situation and how long she will be ill. Also I don't know your particular job situation but before you quit look at your employee contract and talk to your employers. You may be able to take some paid - sick leave get a doctors line for stress - I haven't but a couple of other people at my work have. I personally used up all my accrued holidays when my mum was in hospital. You can also take unpaid leave and still keep your job with some companies when a relative is sick. I know people who have done this, it meant that when their parent died (different situation one had dementia and had to go into a home) they still had a job to go back to. The other thing you can do is ask your employer if you can go part-time. Because you will still have bills to pay in some cases you can work part-time and still get the carers allowance. It depends on the number of hours you work and the amount of money you get. Personally I work part-time and my brother doesn't work and gets the carers allowance. Also depending on the type of job you do you may be able to work from home.
You can apply for vehicle tax exemption if you care for someone who is disabled including disabled through cancer, you have to fulfill certain requirements. Depending on your mothers age she can apply for pip or disablility living allowance. You may also be eligible for a heating grant from Macmillian. I know my dad got one when he was ill, (that is why we gave the funeral donation to Macmillian as a thank you).
Also look into local cancer support groups, Maggies etc they are a wealth of help and advice, from support for you and your mum to free reiki treatments and counselling etc. There is other support out there too, you may need help from social work carers too or your local district nurse. Some of them can supply aids that you may need such as hospital beds at home temporarily or walking sticks or rails at the front door or pressure cushions etc
Sorry this is a bit garbled but I hope some of it helps you.
