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.
Prescriptions are now free for anyone living in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland. People with cancer in England have been able to apply for an exemption certificate allowing them to access to free prescriptions since 1st April 2009. You can find out more the certificate and how to apply for one by scrolling down this page and following the links on prescription charges.
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:Maggie's centres: where to find us
Produced by:Maggie's
Maggie’s Centres offer free, comprehensive support for people with cancer, their families and friends
Find out more about where our centres are located and what they offer.
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 16-40 year olds with life threatening illnesses. 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: 24 October 2011
