Do I need to tell DWP that I have cancer?

[CazY777]

Does anyone know if I am required to let DWP know that I've been diagnosed with breast cancer? DH and I are currently claiming UC, he gets PIP standard rate care and I'm claiming Carers Allowance. He has been deemed as having 'limited capability for work' and I am not required to look for work. We tell them about any changes to his health as that's what's affecting his ability to work. I'm assuming that my health isn't relevant, I won't be going into hospital (maybe an over night stay after the lumpectomy) and then radiotherapy as an out patient. I'm just wondering if anyone has any specialist knowledge on this?

No you don't as you have no requirements to work. It's not their business unless you became unable to care for him at all.

Sorry to hear you're going though this.

Thank you duhast. That's what I thought. Me getting cancer is another kick in the teeth on top of DH's health problems.

If it is not affecting your ability to care for him for 35 hours a week then I can't see why you would need to let them know. You could put in sick notes to UC yourself and be awarded LCWRA as you are having cancer treatment but would not get any extra money as you both cannot get this element. It would also mean you have no work searching commitments but you don't anyway. The only way I can see you being affected is if you applied for PIP yourself ( many people undergoing intensive treatment do especially if having side effects which are expected to last some time ), and this may contradict your caring responsibilities.

As long as you can still fulfill your caring requirements, I don't think it's relevant unless your illness has a terminal diagnosis (which I very much hope it doesn't):-

www.gov.uk/health-conditions-disability-universal-credit

Thank you. I've been told that it's very treatable, so I'm hoping that once I'm through the operation and radiotherapy that that will be it.

@babyroobs just another quick question. My DH is in lcw not lcwra and we claimed after April 2017 so we don't get any extra money. Would I get the extra if I tell them about my diagnosis, or do you think it would open a can of worms and they will question my ability to care for DH?

I wouldn't apply for PIP as, having been through the assessment process with DH, I don't think I would qualify.

yes you would get awarded LCWRA after the initial 13 week assessment period. Cancer treatment is one of the conditions that will automatically qualify you without going through an assessment. You would not be able to get LCWRA for yourself and carers element so you would get the higher which is LCWRA which is £328 a month as opposed to £156 carers element so I would say it is worth doing. Then once you are recovered you may go back to carers element. I don't think it would affect you claiming carers allowance.