You may be able to claim benefits to help you in your situation. You may also be able to get financial assistance from other organisations.
- Cancer and financial help
A cancer diagnosis can change your financial situation. It may mean you need to stop working, or work less. It can also mean spending more money on things like hospital parking. But depending on your situation, you may be able to get benefits or other financial support.
The benefits and tax rates in this information apply from April 2020 to April 2021.
- Understanding benefits
Benefits are payments from the government to people who need financial help. When you are affected by cancer, you might be able to receive benefits to:
- help with extra costs
- support you if you have to stop working.
The benefits you may be entitled to depend on factors like your age, your income and where you live.
Sometimes there are differences between the benefits systems in different parts of the UK. We explain these differences throughout this information.
- Benefits if you are unable to work or on a low income
Support from your work
If you work for an employer and take time off sick, you may be able to get sick pay. Your employer should also make reasonable adjustments to help you do your job during and after cancer treatment.
If you are self-employed you will not get sick pay. But you can still apply for other benefits if you cannot work or if your income decreases.
Access to Work provides advice and practical support if you have a long-term health condition that affects the way you do your job. This might include help with extra costs caused by your health condition.
Visit Access to Work, or NiDirect if you live in Northern Ireland.
For more information from Macmillan click here
Last Updated: 12th Aug 2021, 14:17