Money worries
Support and wellbeing
Money worries
Being diagnosed with cancer can have a big impact on both you and your loved ones, including an unexpected effect on your finances. You may find that as a result of your diagnosis your outgoings go up and that your income goes down. You may need to stop working or take a period or extended leave. You may find that you are spending more on everyday costs, such as heating or traveling to hospital appointments.
Help is at hand
Your Clinical Nurse Specialist ad Care Co-ordinators team are incredibly knowledgeable and will be able to signpost you to support services.
The Fountain Centre, based within the Cancer Centre, also offers a Welfare Benefits Service, in conjunction with Guildford and Ash Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). They can help you access your financial situation and give you advice on benefits. They can also tell you about any special funds that you may qualify for. Use this link to find out more.
Did you know?
If you have cancer you qualify for a medical exemption certificate, which makes all NHS prescriptions free. Ask your clinical nurse specialist (CNS) for a form, which needs to be signed by one of your healthcare team. The card will last for five years and can be renewed.
Macmillan
Macmillan also has a lot of information on its website about how you may be able to claim benefits or access financial support to help your situation. Click here to visit the Macmillan website.
They have also produced a number of booklets that you can download with more information. Click on the links below to download:
· Help with the cost of cancer
· Help with the cost of cancer (audiobook)
· Claiming benefits when you have cancer — easy read
Phone: 0808 800 00 00