If you need a large print, audio, braille, easy-read, age-friendly or translated copy of this page, please contact the cancer information team on 020 3447 8663 or email uclh.cancerinformation@nhs.net

This page outlines common benefits available for people affected by cancer and blood conditions. For more information, or to check if you qualify, please contact: 

  • Macmillan Cancer Support (people affected by cancer) on 0808 808 00 00.
  • Local Citizens Advice: To find your local office, visit citizensadvice.org.uk or phone 0800 144 88 48.
  • Local council: A list of London councils and their contact details is available below.
  • Age UK (for people over 50) on 0800 055 6112.
  • Macmillan Support and Information Service on 020 3447 8663 (or ext 78663 if you are calling internally). The service is located on the ground floor of the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre.

Other services also provide advice and information. For more details, visit the page ‘Organisations offering financial advice to people affected by cancer and blood conditions’.

Important: Benefit payments change often. We try to provide accurate information but some details on this page may be out of date. If you notice any incorrect information, please tell a member of the Macmillan Support and Information Service so we can update it.

Attendance Allowance (AA)

  • For people at or above state pension age with mental or physical difficulties.
  • Current amount: £73.90 or £110.40 per week, depending on your care needs.
  • To apply and for more information, call 0800 731 0122.

Pension Credit (PC)

  • For people at state pension age with low income.
  • It tops up weekly income if it is below £227.10 (single person) or £346.60 (couples).
  • To apply and for more information, call 0800 731 0469.

Carer’s Allowance (CA)

  • You can claim if you care for someone receiving Attendance Allowance (AA), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) middle or higher rate care, or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) daily living component.
  • You must earn less than £196 per week (after tax) while receiving CA.
  • Current amount: £83.30 per week.
  • To apply and for more information, call 0800 731 0297 or visit dwp.gov.uk. Textphone: 0845 604 5312 

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

  • For people aged 16 to state pension age who need help with daily living and mobility.
  • Current amount: £29.20 to £187.45 per week, depending on your care needs and mobility.
  • To apply or for more information, call 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 based  on your National Insurance (NI) contributions over the last two years. 
  • If you haven’t paid enough NI, you may qualify for Universal Credit. 
  • Current amount: £72.90 per week (ages 18 to 24) and £92.05 per week (ages 25 and over).
  • To claim, visit gov.uk or call 0800 055 6688. 

Universal Credit (includes help with rent)

New Style Employment Support Allowance (NSESA)

  • Provides financial support if you are unable to work. It is based on your National Insurance (NI) contributions. 
  • Payment amounts vary. 
  • For more information or to apply, call 0800 055 6688 or visit: gov.uk/how-to-claim-new-style-esa 

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

  • Your employer should pay this if you are off work sick. 
  • Current amount: £118.75 per week for up to 28 weeks. 

Child Benefit (CB)

  • For people with children under 16, or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training.  
  • An income limit applies, so you may not get the full amount. 
  • Current amount: £26.05 per week for an eldest or only child and £17.25 per week for each additional child.
  • For more information, call 0300 200 3100. 

Housing Benefit (HB) and Council Tax Support (CTS)

  • You may qualify if you have a low income or receive benefits. 
  • Housing Benefit is only for existing claimants and those of pension age. 
  • To apply, contact your local council. A list of London councils and their contact details is available below. 

Prescription charge exemptions

  • Prescriptions are free for people with cancer and certain conditions. 
  • You need to apply for a prescriptions exemption card.  
  • For more information and to find out how to apply, visit our page about free NHS prescriptions. If you’d like a printed copy of this page, speak to the team caring for you. 

Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC)

NHS Low Income Scheme

  • This scheme offers help with health costs for people who have a low income.
  • This includes help with healthcare travel and prescription costs.
  • To find out more, call 0300 330 1343 or visit the NHS website.

Blue Badge scheme

  • A Blue Badge allows easier parking if you have mobility issues. 
  • Apply through your local council (contact details are available below) or online:  ​​​​​gov.uk/apply-blue-badge 

Taxicard (London Boroughs only)

  • This scheme offers cheaper taxi journeys for people with severe mobility issues who find it hard to use public transport.  
  • Taxicard holders travel in licensed London taxis and private-hire vehicles. The cheaper fee applies to each trip. 
  • Apply through your local council (contact details are available below) or visit London Councils Taxicard  

Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass (London Boroughs only)

Services

Printing of this document is only valid on the day printed, please refer to the website for most up to date information:

https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information-pages/common-benefits-information-people-cancer-and-blood-conditions

Service information

Trusted Information Creator | Patient Information Forum

Page last updated: 02 May 2025

Review due: 01 April 2026