This page outlines the most common benefits that are available for people affected by cancer and blood conditions. For more information, or to find out if you qualify, please contact:
- the Macmillan Cancer Support helpline on 0808 808 00 00 (people affected by cancer only)
- your local Citizens Advice (to find your local office, visit citizensadvice.org.uk or phone 0800 144 88 48)
- your local council (a list of local councils and their contact details is available below)
- Age UK (if you are over 50 years old) on 0800 055 6112
- the Macmillan Support and Information Service, located on the ground floor of the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre, on 020 3447 8663 (if you are calling internally, please dial ext 78663).
There are other services available that you can contact for advice and information. For details, please see the page Benefits and welfare advice – Information for people affected by cancer and blood conditions on our website.
Benefit payments change regularly. While we try to be as accurate as possible, we cannot guarantee that any of the amounts included on this page are up-to-date. If you notice any incorrect information, please tell a member of the Macmillan Support and Information Service, so that we can amend it.
Attendance Allowance (AA)
- Available to those aged 65 and over with mental or physical restrictions.
- Current amount: £72.65 or £108.55 per week, depending on the level of care required
- To apply and for more information, please phone 0800 731 0122.
Pension Credit (PC)
- This is an income-related benefit available to those who have reached pensionable age.
- It tops up weekly income if it is below £218.15 (single person) or £332.95 (couples).
- To apply and for more information, please phone 0800 731 0469.
Carer’s Allowance (CA)
- Available to those caring for someone who receives Attendance Allowance (AA), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) middle or higher rate care, or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) daily living component. The carer cannot earn more than £132 per week net while receiving CA.
- Current amount: £81.90 per week.
- To apply and for more information, please phone 0800 731 0297 or visit dwp.gov.uk. Textphone: 0845 604 5312
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Please note: This benefit has replaced DLA for new claimants aged 16 and over
- Available to those aged between 16 and 64. It consists of two components: daily living and mobility. The rate you may be awarded for each component is based on how your illness affects you.
- Current amount: £28.70 to £184.30 per week, depending on the level of care needed and mobility.
- To apply or for more information, please phone 0800 917 2222.
New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance (NS JSA)
You can apply if you are of working age, available for work and actively looking for work. It is contributions-based and you can claim if you have worked and paid a certain amount of National Insurance (NI) within the last two years. If your NI contributions are not enough, you may be entitled to claim Universal Credit.
Current amount:
- £71.70 per week for 18 to 24-year-olds
- £90.50 per week for 25-year-olds and older
- £142.25 per week for couples (both aged 18 or over)
- £90.50 per week for lone parents aged 18 or over
- £71.70 per week for lone parents under 18.
To claim, please visit gov.uk or call 0800 055 6688.
New Style Employment Support Allowance (NSESA)
- Provides financial support if you are unable to work (based on National Insurance contributions or income).
- Rates of entitlement vary.
- For more information or to apply, please phone 0800 055 6688. You can also make a claim online: gov.uk/
how-to-claim-new-style-esa
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)
- This should be paid via your employer.
- Current amount: £116.75 per week paid for 28 weeks.
Working Tax Credit (WTC)
Please note: this is for existing claimants only (no new claims)
- Available to those aged 16 and over who work 16 hours or more per week. Assessments are based on the number of hours you work per week. You must be in paid work with an income below a certain level.
- For more information, call 0345 300 3900.
Child Tax Credit (CTC)
Please note: this is for existing claimants only (no new claims)
- Child Tax Credit is paid for children you are responsible for if they are under 16, or under 20 and in approved education or training. You don’t need to be in paid work and it doesn’t affect child benefit payments.
- Only one household responsible for a child’s care can be awarded Child Tax Credit.
- How much you receive depends on your taxable income or the benefits you claim.
- For more information, phone 0345 300 3900.
Child Benefit (CB)
- Available to those with children under 16, or under 20 if they remain in approved education or training. An income threshold is applied so you may or may not get the amount listed below.
- Current amount: £25.60 per week for an eldest or only child; £15.90 per week for any additional children.
- For more information, phone 0300 200 3100.
Housing Benefit (HB – for existing claimants only and those of pension age); Council Tax Support – (CTS for all claimants)
- These can be claimed if you are on a low income or benefit, and they are means-tested.
- Not available for those on Universal Credit.
- To apply, please contact your local council (contact details are shown below).
Universal Credit (includes help with rent)
- Call 0800 328 5644 for more information.
- Citizens Advice runs ‘Help to claim’ Universal Credit on 0800 144 8 444.
Prescription charges exemptions
- Prescriptions are free for people with cancer and other recognised conditions
- Forms to apply for an exemption card are available in the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre and from your GP. The form needs to be signed by your clinical nurse specialist (CNS), consultant or GP.
- For information about help with health costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme, phone 0300 3301 343.
Blue Badge scheme
- To apply, please contact your local council (contact details are shown below). You may be able to apply online by visiting your local council site.
Taxicard – London Boroughs only
- Taxicard is a scheme that provides subsidised (cheaper) transport for people who have serious mobility issues and difficulty in using public transport. Taxicard holders make journeys in licensed London taxis and private-hire vehicles, and the subsidy applies directly to each trip
- To apply, please contact your local council (contact details are shown below).
Disabled Freedom Pass – London Boroughs only
- To apply and for further information, please contact your local council (contact details are shown below).
Bereavement benefits: 0800 731 0139
Budgeting loans: 0800 169 0140 (option 3)
Civil Legal Advice: 0345 345 4 345; gov.uk/
Government services, information, online claims: gov.uk/
Help with health costs (for example hospital fares) – NHS Low Income Scheme:
Medical exemption certificates and prescription prepayment certificates: 0300 330 1341
National Debtline: 0808 808 4000; nationaldebtline.org
Pension service: 0800 731 0469
Prescription services helpline, or to order:
- a paper copy of HC12 (a quick guide to help with health costs)
- HC5 (T) (refund of travel costs)
- HC1 (SC) (claim for help with health costs): 0300 330 1343.
Page last updated: 17 July 2024
Review due: 01 April 2025