[dxsParticipant]

As a newbie with myeloma I have come to realise that there seems to be precious little financial assistance to the over 65s (I’m 71). You don’t qualify for PIP or Universal Credit and as I am fortunately quite mobile, Attendance Allowance is also not an option. I will shortly be faced with a decision whether to accept an offer for High Dose Therapy/Stem Cell Transplant — if the consultant thinks I’m fit enough. This will entail quite a lot of transport costs and some accommodation costs for my wife.  Though finance is not the be-all and end-all in this decision, it plays a part. Would be grateful if other over 65s could relate where to go for financial assistance. Many thanks. David

[susieParticipant]

Hello David. Welcome. I’m sorry you have found yourself needing to join this group, however you will find a super group of people and lots of support.

I don’t think I am wrong to say that Macmillan can help you with financial advise and what you maybe entitled to. Give them a try.

Meanwhile I do hope things go well for you

Susie

[SalParticipant]

Hello David,

Susie’s advice is good, and as I responded to another post with this advice I’ll recommend it to you too.  Macmillan benefits advisors are really helpful and should know about anything that might be available to you. You’ll save yourself a lot of time and stress, I think, if you contact your local one. You can either make an enquiry directly with Macmillan or your clinical nurse specialist should be able to put you in touch.

By the way, my husband is nowhere near 65, but the advice is available to anyone and the Macmillan advisors have a very comprehensive knowledge, including ways to speed things up where possible.

Best wishes,

Sarah

[eveParticipant]

Hi David

Why is attendance allowance not an option??????
My husband gets AA he is 69 had it for three years,it’s not based on how much money you have,it’s your right,day AA is about 38 pounds,full AA is 78 pounds,if you have a carer who does not earn any money you can arrange a carers allowance,I do not get it as I have a pension.

I would contact pensions or Mac Millan ,as you have to consider all things about personal care,if you do not have a carer you can consider getting one in,which will help pay for personal care.EG you need some one to help you,plus drive car for you,help you at night,as this Myeloma progresses you will need these things,

Get what you are entitled to,as after paying in a pension for over 40 years,the chances of a long life are reduced. eve

[PerkymiteParticipant]

Sorry to disagree with you Eve but AA is not a right. You have to establish with the issuing authority that you have a need for it. This is done by filing a very complicated and detailed form. The best people to fill this form out for you is a Macmillan adviser.

Sorry you have had to join us David but take the advice and get in touch with Macmillan. They will sort you out. A word of advice when you fill out the form pick your worst days not your best days, the fact that you feel great the day you do the form is immaterial it is how you might feel later on that counts.

If you have a partner/Mrs and you need help in dressing or things like that you can get Carers Allowance the difference between the two is Careers Allowance (about £20 a week) is TAXABLE, so if your wife works it is not really worth the effort.

Best of luck

Vasbyte

David

[dxsParticipant]

Thanks to all who replied. I am pursuing the Macmillan angle.

[eveParticipant]

Hi DXS and lovely David.

I think may be I should have said it’s your right to apply and even appeal a claim.

Except my apologies David. Lol.

This in its self is a difficult subject,on one hand you have all the negative press releases people claiming benefits!!!?, and the other side of the coin many people who need this help who are not claiming!because they will not apply.

When we first put in a claim for AA,my husbands attitude was,why bother the likes of us will not get anything!!!?,well he was wrong!and over this period of around two years!I cannot tell you how grateful I have been and so glad I made him apply!it was a fight just to get him to apply!I married a very stubborn man!!!!

So DXS and David it’s not just a matter of applying as you know,the might turn you down first time,you have to appeal,get the NHS or GP behind you,and fight,it is automatic if you have only 6 months to live,but also if you need help in any form,putting socks on????,you should be at least entitled to the day rate. You do have to think about what you are like on a bad day,when the missus is fetching and carrying for you,night AA is when you are unsteady on your feet,and need some ones help,all this will come with Myeloma,so worth considering

Slim lost half his leg this month,so I do not think now it’s so visible,we will not have anybody questioning his entitlement. Eve

[Author]

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