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Worried over finances

SerSer
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My husband is just starting his cancer treatment and I'm starting to worry about finances already. His employer has said he'll be on half pay then SSP. I work full time myself and have been using annual leave for time off to support him but I know my head isn't in the right space to return to work on Monday. My thoughts are full of what my husband is going through and I'm so tired and stressed I can't think straight.

We don't know how long my husband will be off work and I'm worried that if I take too much time away from work we won't be able to afford to pay bills etc. We've cashed in his pension so we have some back up but that won't last very long. 

I don't know where to start or who to ask for advice. Can anyone help? 

  • Hi  ,

    Thanks for getting in touch. I’m so sorry to hear about your husband’s diagnosis and the worries you have over finances.

    There are a few things I’d like to discuss with you. First of all, does your husband have any life insurance or critical illness cover? If so, a cancer diagnosis can sometimes mean a claim can be made. You’ve mentioned you will struggle to pay the bills if the income drops, is there a mortgage? As there may be options available regarding your monthly payments.

    Our Financial Guidance Team can offer information and guidance on all aspects of your personal finances to help you make informed decisions in the following areas;

    Pensions and retirement options

    Questions about insurance policies

    Mortgages and money management

    Arranging wills and trusts to protect your family

    General financial planning questions

    So if there is anything from the above list that you would like to discuss, please speak to us directly on 0808 808 0000. To reach the Financial Guidance team just select options 1 then 2 then 1 again. Our team are available Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm. Alternatively you can also speak to us on Webchat too by clicking here

     

    Secondly, As part of our Money and Work Team, we have a dedicated group of Welfare Rights Advisers that I feel would be good for you to talk too. They can check if you or your husband are entitled to any state benefits and can help to access other financial support, such as one-off grants to help with those extra costs. You can contact them on freephone 0808 808 0000 and they’re available weekdays 8am – 8pm and weekends 9am – 5pm. If you’d prefer you can also contact them via webchat here by selecting “Chat to us” and then the “Welfare Benefits & Grants” option.

     

    Finally, we also have a Work Support Team on our support line. They can provide information and advice in relation to what your employers and your rights are when it comes to time off work due to your husbands circumstances. You can contact them on freephone 0808 808 0000 and they’re available weekdays 8am –6pm.

     

    Please feel free to get in touch, and hopefully we will hear from you soon.

     

    Yours Sincerely,

     

     

     

    Joe 
    Financial Guide

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