Understanding benefits

Worries about money are very common for people affected by cancer, and we understand that it is a topic that many people don't feel comfortable talking about.

We know it can feel overwhelming applying for benefits. There is a lot of paperwork, complicated language and it can be difficult to find time for the various phone calls and appointments with a variety of organisations.  

Even if you are not sure you are eligible, it’s important to apply as soon as you feel able. This is because many benefits can’t be backdated or can only be backdated for a short period. 

If you're worried about money or need advice about what financial support you could be entitled to, we can help. 

There is information on this page about the support Macmillan can provide.

If you are affected by cancer, there are a range of benefits you may be entitled to which could help you with your everyday living costs.

Our expert advisors can help you to find out what benefits you might be entitled to, such as:

• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Universal Credit (UC)
• Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland.

We can also help you find out about other types of support available, such as Macmillan Grants.

Our Welfare Rights Advisers can help you find out which benefits you may be entitled to. Find out what happens when you call our welfare rights advisers and what you need to have ready.

If you are terminally ill

If you are living with terminal cancer, you may be able to apply for benefits under the special rules. These rules mean that certain benefits can be paid much more quickly, at a higher rate and without a medical assessment.

You may be able to withdraw money from a Lifetime ISA or private pension. We have more information on accessing your private pension early.

Knowing where to start with benefits can be difficult. We have developed the following resources to help you:

• How to claim Universal Credit
• How to claim Employment Support Allowance
• How to claim Adult Disability Payment
• If you look after someone with cancer

We also have information in different languages and accessible formats including audio, easy read and British Sign Language.

Further information

You can get more information and apply for certain benefits by visiting:

• GOV.UK website if you live in England or Wales
• mygov.scot website if you live in Scotland
• nidirect.gov.uk website if you live in Northern Ireland.

If you disagree with a decision about benefits you can ask for the decision to be looked at again. This is called a mandatory reconsideration.

Challenging a benefits decision can be complicated. It is a good idea to ask a Welfare Rights Adviser for help as soon as possible.

You can also learn more about challenging a benefit decision on the Citizens Advice website.

This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been approved by Macmillan’s Welfare Rights team. 

Our cancer information has been awarded the Patient Information Forum quality mark. This is known as the PIF TICK.

Created by the Patient Information Forum, this shows we meet PIF’s 10 criteria for trustworthy health information. Learn more about how we produce our information.