When you or your loved one has cancer, you might have worries about money. Some people need to take extended time off work or stop working earlier than planned. You might be worried about the cost of living; or needing to spend money on additional things like hospital parking.
Depending on your circumstances, you might be able to claim benefits or other financial assistance.
You might also have questions about pensions, mortgages, insurances or debts and are not sure who to ask.
In this first of a new blog series on the Online Community, we will be highlighting the information and support available from Macmillan when cancer has affected your finances.
“Must be incredibly hard losing your job whilst battling cancer. I can only imagine what you're going through and how difficult it must be for you. Have you tried Macmillan to see if you're entitled to any financial support? “- Online Community member
There are many different types of benefits and financial support that might be available to you depending on your circumstances. Find out more on our benefits and financial support page along with an overview of the support that Macmillan can offer.
“Does anyone know whether you are able to claim any support while going through chemo? My consultant has signed me off for 6 months and SSP isn’t going to go far! I know I can claim UC but what about PIP as cancer is classed as a disability? Car park is sorted as I know how to do that - brilliant set up near me! Do you get travelling costs? If so, is it easy to claim. I called yesterday about a wig and my voucher is £80! I don’t think it’s going to get me far. just another stress when I already feel stressed, Any advice please xx” – Online Community member
You can also use the Macmillan benefits and financial support page to find out more about help with children’s costs, bills and housing costs, health costs, and help with transport and parking. You can use the benefits calculator on the page to work out how much you might be entitled to.
There is also information for you if you look after someone with cancer.
“My mum has recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer with a prognosis of months. She is only 55 and was working until her diagnosis. She is currently on sick leave. Of course one of her main worries is money. What are her options with claiming her pension as terminally ill/claiming sickness leave? She’s worried about leaving my dad without any financial support so is also worried that if she claims her pension she will potentially leave my dad without her death in service benefit. What are the options? If she decides on one will she lose the other? It’s an absolute minefield and we don’t know where to turn.” – Online Community member
In the British Sign Language (BSL) enabled video below, Macmillan financial guides share how they can support you if you have questions about money worries.
Our Financial Guides are not financial advisors, so they can’t recommend products or advise on your best options. They can help you understand everything and help you make informed decisions.
“What can I do if I'm in the middle of buying a house and I'm waiting for investigations to decide if I actually have cancer? I'm in the process of applying for a mortgage, and I haven't applied for income protection/life critical illness insurance.” – Online Community member
If you still have questions or need further support, you can speak to a Financial Guide on the Macmillan Support Line.
Find out all the different ways to contact the team here.
Even if you just want to talk things through with someone who is there to listen, all our Support Line teams are available 7 days a week, 8am-8pm on freephone 0808 808 00 00, via email or live webchat.
Our Financial Guides are here for you on the Online Community and can answer any questions you might have relating to your personal finances. This includes any questions you might have about Pensions, Mortgages, Insurance, and Estate Planning.
Find all the Ask an Expert sessions here.
