Financial Support for people affected by cancer
Macmillan Cancer Support say: The physical and emotional implications of cancer are widely recognised. However, cancer patients and their families can also face a financial impact after diagnosis. This means that across the UK, many people are forced to contend with the double hit of reduced income and increased costs.
Macmillan research has shown that four out of five people with cancer are, on average, £570 a month worse off because of their diagnosis.
What financial support is available?
Benefits: The benefits system is complicated and ever-changing but financial help may be available through a range of welfare benefit payments offered by the Department of Work and Pensions or the local authority. Eligibility criteria differs from benefit to benefit but if you have to stop work, are on a reduced income or are self-employed, there may be benefits that you can claim. Special rules can apply for terminal illness. So, it is worth having a chat with a benefits adviser or using an on-line calculator to check entitlement.
Macmillan have an online benefits calculator that can be used by the person with the diagnosis or their family.
If you are being treated at Royal Cornwall Hospital Treliske, your medical team may refer you to the Citizens Advice Cornwall team based at The Cove Cancer Centre. For patients being treated at Derriford, Barnstaple or the RD&E at Exeter please ask your medical team for the relevant benefits and finance support contact.
If you are aged 50+, the Age UK Cornwall and IOS team can help you with your Attendance Allowance forms: call the Helpdesk on 01872 266 383.
You can also find financial advice on the main Age UK website: this includes managing money, managing debt and protecting yourself from scams.
Financial Guidance: For advice relating to money management, insurance, pensions, wills and other non-benefit related matters, the Macmillan national helpline advisers can help. They can be contacted on 0808 808 0000.
For information about all aspects of finances (including Macmillan grants, benefits for people over pension age; help with mortgage and other financial commitments) you can order the booklet Help with the Cost of Cancer – available as a paper copy or an audio book.
Macmillan Support Line: Call 0808 808 00 00 or visit their website
If you are Deaf or hard of hearing you can call using NGT (Text Relay) on 18001 0808 808 00 00 or use the NGT Lite app.
Information is available in other formats and languages.