I am a carer for my wife and was also working when I was diagnosed with cancer. Due to my diagnosis and necessary treatment I had to stop working. As a result my financial situation worsened significantly just in a few days. I didn’t know what to do, as I was never in the situation that I couldn’t help myself before. I was always the one supporting others. I found myself struggling financially and needed support with food and potential benefits. I wanted to find out if I was eligible for any support and receive this support if possible.
I received food parcels from the food bank and advisors supported me with my benefits application. Unfortunately, it’s been very difficult to communicate with DWP and even advisors couldn’t resolve the issue for some time with DWP refusing to do a work capability assessment, although I have cancer and am undergoing treatment. The advisor is also supporting me with claiming my travel expenses related to my cancer treatment. Because I am a carer for my wife, advisors are now supporting my wife as well and this is a huge relief for me.
European Welfare Association has been a great support to me, helping with access to their food bank, interpreting support, supporting me with my welfare benefits applications, and providing guidance on eligibility. I am happy that such support is available. My wife is housebound, and advisors arranged home visits to support us. Patrycja and Irina have been very kind. Now I am receiving food parcels and am awaiting my new benefit payment I am no longer worried about my wife and our bills. I feel relieved, as I don’t need to worry about so many things.
“Now I am not worried about the food on the table and can focus on my treatment I am hoping to be cancer free and gain my life back.”
