A diagnosis of cancer can have an impact on your finances. For example, you may have to stop work or have significant travel costs to and from hospital appointments.
Advice offered by some agencies may depend on where you live and/or may require a referral. Drop in to the Lynda Jackson Centre and we can advise you (hyperlink to the drop in page) or call the Macmillan Cancer Support line.
There are a number of organisations and agencies that can advise you about the benefits you may be entitled to and how to claim them.
Useful contacts
Macmillan Cancer Support
Helpline: 0808 808 0000 (Monday – Friday, 8am – 8pm)
You can find detailed information in the Help with the cost of cancer booklet. You can also use the Macmillan Benefits Calculator to check which benefits you may be entitled to and there is detailed information on their website.
Government services and information on welfare benefits
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
A benefit for anyone who has difficulty moving around or looking after themselves and under the state pension age.
Call the ‘new claims’ phone line on 0800 917 2222 or Textphone: 0800 917 7777. Lines are open Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
A non-means-tested benefit for anyone who has difficulty looking after themself and is over the state pension age.
Call 0800 731 0122
For people over 18 and under state pension age who are on a low income, out of work or unwell. You can only apply online.
Call 0800 328 5644
New Style Employment and Support Allowance
A non-means-tested benefit for people who have a health condition or disability that limits their ability to work, National Insurance contributions apply. You can only apply online.
Jobcentre Plus helpline number: 0800 055 6688
Call the Carer’s Allowance Unit: 0800 731 0297
A means-tested benefit for people over state pension age who are on a low income. You can apply online. Contact number: 0800 99 1234
Help with rental costs for people over state pension age on a low income who are in supported, sheltered or temporary housing. Claim through your local council.
Apply to your local council.
Please note: If you are terminally ill, your application for some benefits may be fast-tracked under ‘special rules’. Speak to your specialist nurse to see if this applies to you.
Advice line: 0800 144 8848
Call or visit the website for details of your local bureaux
Advice line: 0800 678 1602
Advice on benefits, debt, pensions and other financial matters and you can use the online tool to find local contact details
Advice line: 0800 138 1111
Confidential and expert debt advice and money guidance
Housing advice helpline: 0808 800 4444
Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS)
Advice on employment law, HR processes and good practice at work. Help in resolving issues in the workplace. Call 0300 123 1100
Grants and other sources of help
Cura and East and North Hertfordshire Hospitals’ Charity offer grants to individual patients who are having treatment for cancer with East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust. The grant is around £300 and applications must be recommended by a member of staff working in cancer services at the rust.
You will need to put the staff members name on your application form. Click here for more details on the hospitals’ charity website.
Financial support for patients in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.
Household Fuel Grants available for patients in Hertfordshire. Apply online
Use the Grant Search to find charitable funds for which you might be eligible.
Offer grants for cancer patients under 25 years old to help with travel to and from hospital, private tuition to reduce the impact on education, accommodation near the hospital and Childcare for siblings.
Help with travel costs
You may be eligible for reimbursement for your travel expenses to come to the cancer centre for treatment. Please ask your nurse or our team at the Lynda Jackson Centre.
Other financial help
Eye tests: You may qualify for free NHS eye tests. Full details of eligibility are in Macmillan Cancer Support’s booklet Help with the cost of cancer and also the NHS website.
Dental treatment: You may qualify for free NHS dental treatment and free dentures. Full details of eligibility are in Macmillan Cancer Support’s booklet Help with the cost of cancer.
Prescriptions: Cancer patients are eligible for free prescriptions for all medicines, including those not related to your cancer treatment. You will need your GP to complete a FP92A form so you can apply for a medical exemption certificate. The certificate lasts for five years and can be renewed if you are still eligible.
Wigs: You may qualify for free synthetic wigs on the NHS. Full details of eligibility are in Macmillan Cancer Support’s booklet Help with the cost of cancer and the NHS website.
