Almost
100,000 critically ill people are facing a delay of up to a year to
claim a payment which is supposed to cover vital costs such as travel to
hospital appointments.
Charities
say they have heard of cancer sufferers and other sick people missing
vital treatment or using payday loans because they have not been able to
claim a new benefit called a Personal Independence Payment.
This
Government payout is worth between £21.55 and £138 a week and is given
to people who are suddenly stricken by a serious illness.