Where possible our links will direct you to the specific web page containing the information we refer to below rather than to the home page of an organisation.
Benefits and financial information
Adviceguide is the online Citizens Advice Bureau, with information and factsheets about financial, legal and other issues, including benefits for people who are sick or disabled. Separate sections for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Age Concern has an online benefits checker as well as downloadable information sheets and longer factsheets on a range of financial and other issues.
Cancerbackup provides information and links for sources of help and support if you have financial difficulties as a result of cancer. See its financial problems page.
Carers UK has a section on financial help which provides links to websites with information about the main benefits for carers and the people they look after.
The Department for Works and Pensions (formerly DSS - Department of Social Security) provides information and links to useful websites for people who are disabled or ill and their carers.
Entitled To has an online benefits and tax credit calculator for all four countries.
Macmillan Cancer Support provides information about what help might be available and about the Macmillan Benefits Helpline on its financial help page.
(Macmillan also produces a booklet called Help with the cost of cancer: a guide to benefits and financial help for people affected by cancer, which can be ordered on0800 500 800.)
turn2us has a benefits calculator for England, Wales and Scotland.
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Grants
Your District Nurse should be able to provide you with information about any local grants that are available.
Macmillan Cancer Support awards one-off grants which cover a wide range of practical needs. Applications are made on the patient’s behalf by healthcare or social work professionals. The Macmillan grants page provides information about who can apply and what grants are for, as well as how the application process works.
CLIC Sargent may be able to provide Care Grants to help with immediate financial needs for families who have a child with cancer.
turn2us has a search facility for seeking grants (by occupation, illness, location etc) in the UK.
Warm Front offers Warm Front grants - a government-funded package of insulation and heating improvements which may be available for both private landlord occupation and home owners. Other schemes operate in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and can be accessed via this website.
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Holidays and travel insurance
People with cancer or other conditions may find it difficult to obtain medical insurance when travelling abroad. A number of insurance companies do offer cover but some impose age restrictions or geographical limitations. Most will generally require a medical certificate. Some companies are prepared to consider cover for patients with a terminal prognosis on a case by case basis. Others will only provide cover for patients in remission or with a non-terminal prognosis. It will probably take longer than usual to arrange cover, so do bear this in mind.
The insurer may ask the patient to take with them a medical summary of their condition, possibly translated into the appropriate language. Even if this is not required, you may find it useful to do so.
Cancerbackup produces a downloadable Travel Insurance Factsheet which includes useful information and a list of insurance companies which may be able to offer medical insurance.
The MS Society has created a travel insurance service for people with MS and their families or friends travelling with them.
The Terrence Higgins Trust offers travel insurance for people with HIV.
The Youth Cancer Trust provides free holidays for young cancer patients between the ages of 14-30 attending any hospital in the UK or Irish Republic subject to approval from their doctor.
They are invited to spend a few days with other guests of a similar age and situation at Tracy Anne House in Bournemouth. They can come in groups up to eight and bring a brother, sister or a friend. The emphasis is on a relaxed, carefree and fun holiday, allowing a few days away from hospitals. The groups choose what activities they would like to do making this their special holiday.
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Please note: Marie Curie Cancer Care provides links to third party websites where appropriate and is not responsible for the availability or content of any of these linked sites.
