The short version
- Cancer can bring extra costs and lost income. There’s help available, and it’s worth checking early.
- Macmillan’s money advisers give free, confidential advice, including a full benefits check, on 0808 808 00 00.1
- In England, people having cancer treatment get free prescriptions with an exemption certificate. Prescriptions are free for everyone in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.2
Get free advice first
Benefits rules are complicated, and many people miss out. Macmillan’s money advisers can check which benefits you might get, help you fill in forms, and help you challenge decisions. Call 0808 808 00 00 or use their online chat.1 Citizens Advice can also help.
Free prescriptions (England)
If you’re having treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer, or the effects of its treatment, you can get free NHS prescriptions in England:2
- Get an FP92A form from your GP surgery, hospital pharmacy or cancer information centre.
- Ask your GP, hospital doctor or nurse specialist to sign it.
- Post it to the NHS Business Services Authority.
The certificate lasts five years. You don’t need one if you’re 60 or over.2
Benefits you may be able to claim
| Benefit | What it’s for |
|---|---|
| Statutory Sick Pay | Paid by your employer from the first day off sick, for up to 28 weeks. See your rights at work.3 |
| Personal Independence Payment (PIP) | Help with extra costs if you have difficulty with daily living or getting around. Not means-tested. You usually need to have had difficulties for 3 months and expect them to last at least 9 more. In Scotland, the equivalent is Adult Disability Payment.4 |
| Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance | If you’re on a low income or can’t work because of illness. Macmillan’s advisers can explain which applies to you.1 |
If someone is nearing the end of life, there are special rules that make claims faster. Macmillan’s advisers can help.
Grants
- Macmillan Grants are one-off payments of £350 to help with the extra costs of cancer, such as energy bills or hospital travel, for people on a low income with limited savings. You usually apply through a health or social care professional or benefits adviser, or by calling the Macmillan Support Line.5
- Turn2us has a search tool for charitable grants and a benefits calculator.6
- Grants don’t usually need to be paid back.6
Help with travel to hospital
If you get certain benefits or are on a low income, you may be able to claim back the cost of travel to hospital appointments through the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme. Bring proof of eligibility to your appointment, or claim afterwards using form HC5(T).7 Ask your hospital about parking concessions for people having cancer treatment.
Other things to check
- Employer benefits such as income protection or critical illness cover. See check what your employer or insurer offers.
- Your own insurance: critical illness cover, income protection, or payment protection on loans or mortgages.
- Your mortgage lender, landlord and energy supplier, who may offer payment breaks or support.
Related pages
References
- Macmillan Cancer Support. Welfare rights advice. macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/get-help/financial-help/welfare-rights-advice
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Free NHS prescriptions for people with cancer. www.uclh.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-pages/free-nhs-prescriptions
- Acas. Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). www.acas.org.uk/checking-sick-pay/statutory-sick-pay-ssp
- MoneyHelper. Personal Independence Payment: an introduction. www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/benefits/benefits-if-youre-sick-disabled-or-a-carer/personal-independence-payment-an-introduction
- Health and Wellbeing (Education Authority NI). Macmillan Grants. healthwell.eani.org.uk/node/6941
- Cancer Research UK. Grants for adults with cancer. cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/practically/financial-support/grants/cancer-charities
- Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust. Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS). www.ghc.nhs.uk/other-areas/htcs-travel-costs/