Hi, I understand that the best people to help you are the Macmillan nurses.  Give them a ring and they will sort everything out for you.  Good luck and best wishes.

Hi David

When my husband was diagnosed and it was soon apparant he would be unable to continue working we we given contact numbers by his support  worker (who was attached to his consultant oncologist)  which included MacMillan, Citizens Advice Bureau and the Department of Work and Pensions( plus a charity connected directly with my husband's  cancer who came to the house and helped us complete the specialist forms required) .  In our case the DWP  were extremely  helpful and explained it all clearly and easily over the phone in the first instance and then sent out all appropriate forms to complete.  My husband's benefits were put in place within six weeks but I am aware that it is a lot of form filling.

All the best with your treatment. Jules54  

Hi David,

One thing about having cancer that sadley doesnt recieve as much publicity as it should is the financial cost of having cancer. A year or so ago I wrote a post about it entitled, "The Cost Of Cancer".

Macmillan have estimated that it costs 83%of people £570.00 per week and 30% of those as much as £860.00 per week. Some people even have to give up work or just do part time. Most of the cost is taken up by transport costs to hospital and doctors while some even have to buy special clothing etc.

I live relativly close by comparison to some people to the hospital where I had my radiotherapy (Just over 12 miles) but I worked it out, had I used my car I would have travelled over a thousand miles plus the cost of parking on top of the petrol used.

Pauline and Jules have given good advice and I wish you well, Brian.

Thank you Pauline! Will call them..

Best Regards

D

Thank you Jules! Very Helpful :)

Thanks Brian, Best Regards to you.

Hi David

It's great to see our lovely members have already given you so much useful advice and support.

Here is a link to some information about financial support available to you when you are affected by cancer.

I hope you find it helpful.

Also you are welcome to call our nurses for advice. The helpline is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, on freephone: 0808 800 4040.

Welcome to Cancer Chat.

Best wishes

Jane

Cancer Chat moderator

MacMillan's usually have a local benefits advisor, ours was a great help. 
PIP isn't means tested and, if you have a terminal diagnosis, there's a fast track process they can use which avoids the need for a medical assessment.

Good luck
Dave

Hi Jane

Yes the crew here are wonderful!

I called today and the wheels are in motion, Nice people to talk to and help great!

Thank You

David

Ask about the two types of E S A  as well, and a family member may be able to claim carers allowance.  Other benefits are available but will depend upon if you have savings, if you are getting sick pay from your employer and whether you own or rent your home. McMillan or the CAB are the best to advise and the GOV Dept of Work and Pensions are also hugely helpful.  Best of luck with the financial difficulties but more importantly with your treatment.  I hope both go well for you x