Anyone know anything about benefit appeals?

[RosieH]

I wonder if anyone can help.

A very dear friend of mine is suffering from a rare and incurable form of cancer and is unable to work. She has put in a claim for benefits, but has had it rejected on the grounds that four years ago she took a gap year to travel and work in Australia so didn't pay NI for that year (out of an 11 year working career).

Obviously she has the opportunity to appeal, but I wondered if anyone has had experience of the appeals process and can offer any advice?

[MGolden]

Hi Rosie H

So sorry to hear about your friend. Presumably she is under the care of an oncologist and again presumably the oncology dept have either social workers or nurse specialists. She should contact them and they should be able to help her. Do PM me if you want any more pointers.

Michele

[Otta]

Do you know which benefits she's applied for, and also (sorry to ask), is this incurable cancer likely to be terminal?

[curlykaren]

It is true that some disability benefits are related to NI contributions so it may just be a case of applying for a different benefit. For advice I would suggest, SDA (Southwark Disablement Assoc) (google for contact details), Macmillian and other cancer support charities and Citizens Advice. Your friend has my sympathy, Health related benefits are a bugger to arrange, just what you don't need when you are ill. all the best CK.

[Pugwash]

One of the cancer charities will have a welfare officer who can assist with benefit claims.

[LadyDeliah]

Thought this might be interesting to some of you:

http://www.heraldscotland.com/politics/political-news/31-deaths-during-wait-for-benefits-judgment.1325732641

Totally hideous.

[RosieH]

Thanks all.

LadyD, yes, hideous. And possibly a little tactless on this particular thread.

[LadyDeliah]

Sorry, thought your friend could use the article to help with her appeal. I'll take my foot out oft mouth (or hand?) now.