Financial help
The diagnosis of cancer may result in extra costs due to travelling, special diet, or childcare at a time when finances are restricted, due to an inability to work. If you are employed you may be entitled to occupational sickness benefits. Whether you are employed or not, you may be entitled to state benefits.
Some charities also provide patient grants. You may want to make contact to see if they can offer you any financial help.
Prescription charges vary depending on where you live in the UK.
People with cancer in England can now apply for an exemption certificate which will allow them to get free prescriptions from 1st April 2009. Prescriptions in Wales are free and charges in Northern Ireland and Scotland are due to be phased out over the next couple of years. You can find out more about how to apply for an exemption certificate by scrolling down this page and following the links on prescription charges.
Link:Maggie’s Cancer Information Centre Oxford
Produced by:Maggie's (Oxford)
Maggie's Oxford, based at the Churchill Hospital,is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm and provides information, psychological and emotional support to anyone affected by cancer. They have a resident psychologist and a team of cancer support specialists including CAB benefits advisors, on hand for drop-in and pre-booked appointments and courses. visit the website, phone or just call in for a cup of tea and a chat and find out more.
Contact: Maggie's (Oxford)
Telephone: Tel (01865) 225690
Link:Benefits and financial support
Produced by:Direct.Gov
Information about benefits and services available and how to apply for them.
Link:Benefits for people who are sick or disabled
Produced by:Adviceguide
Find out more about the different benefits available for people who are sick or disabled.
Link:Carers Direct
Produced by:NHS Choices
Carers Direct provides details of support available for carers, including assessments, benefits, direct payments, individual budgets and time off
There is also information on how to access information about, and support from, health and social care services for the person being cared for.
You can read the information on the site or contact Carers direct via their helpline or by email.
Contact: Carers direct Hotline
Telephone: 0808 802 0202
Link:Financial issues
Produced by:Macmillan Cancer Support
Information about the financial help available to cancer patients and their carers and relatives.
Link:Financial support
Produced by:CancerHelp UK
This section is about the possible financial support available to you when you have cancer. If you have cancer, you may be earning less money because you cannot work or are working fewer hours. You may also have unexpected expenses, such as increased heating costs or medical costs. There are grants, benefits and advice on how to cope financially available from a variety of agencies.
Link:Free prescriptions for people with cancer
Produced by:CancerHelp UK
This page of the CancerHelp website has information about prescription charges for people with cancer in the UK.
Link:Help with the cost of cancer
Produced by:Macmillan Cancer Support
A guide to benefits and financial help for people affected by cancer (Benefits rates apply April 2009 – April 2010)
Link:Maggie's centres: where to find us
Produced by:Maggie's
There are Maggie’s Centres across the UK. You can find out more about where they are located and the services they offer from their website.
Link:Prescription charges
Produced by:Macmillan Cancer Support
Find out more about exemption certificates and charges for prescriptions for anyone with cancer.
Link:The Willow Foundation
Produced by:The Willow Foundation
The Willow Foundation arrange and pay for special days for people with life threatening illnesses. It's not means tested, is for 16-40year olds . It could be a concert, a break at Centerparcs meet a celebrity - special days to create some lasting memories. Carers and family members can also be covered.
Telephone: 01707 259777
Page last edited: 09 November 2009
