A new welfare service has generated at least £900,000 in benefits for over 300 people affected by cancer in its first year.
The Macmillan Fife Welfare Benefits Partnership offers information, advice and support to anyone who is affected by cancer and who is living or is being treated in the Fife area.
Macmillan Cancer Support, Citizens Advice Bureau and the Pension Service together have brought this partnership service to those living in the area over the past year.
Macmillan research has shown that the financial costs associated with a cancer diagnosis can have an enormous impact on the lives of those affected.
Financial concerns are second only to physical pain as a cause of stress for people with cancer and their carers.
Scotland has the lowest Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance claim uptake and 64% of people with a terminal cancer diagnosis do not claim disability benefits. Research has also shown someone affected by cancer in Scotland is three times less likely to claim than someone in Northern Ireland.
A three strong member team runs the partnership project based in Methil, Fife. Susanne McEneany, Macmillan Welfare Benefits Advisor, said:
'The majority of people affected by cancer experience a significant reduction in income following a cancer diagnosis. It can be a confusing and stressful time regarding where and how to get help and advice.
'The project went live in June 2007 and we have been really encouraged with the progress it has made in its first year. The number of people helped and the benefits generated have so far exceeded our expectations. We are delighted to be able to bring this service to people who really need it, people who in many cases would be unable to access this advice for themselves.'
Elspeth Atkinson, Macmillan’s Director for Scotland, said:
'Two thirds of those who die of cancer each year do not receive the disability benefits to which they are entitled. This service has helped over 350 people affected by cancer receive the benefits they need. I look forward to seeing its progress over the forthcoming years.'
One lady who has been helped by the project is Susan White*. Susan was successfully treated for throat cancer three years ago, before losing her husband in October 2006.
Following the death of her husband she was forced to sell her house to clear her outstanding debts. When she came to the service she had just moved into council rented accommodation. Susan was living on £56 a week and from this she was due to repay a personal loan at £20pw. Her situation was extremely difficult.
However, thanks to the help and advice of the service, Susan’s repayment was reduced. She received a £120 Macmillan Grant to pay for a bed and she was referred onto the Pension Service to ensure she would receive a weekly pension credit of £119.05.
Further information
Information is available on a variety of topics including how to get the right benefits, travel costs, filling in benefit forms, filling in grant applications and appealing against benefit decisions.
If you would like further information on the service, please contact the Macmillan Fife Welfare Benefits Partnership, Wellesley Road, Methil, Fife KY8 3QR; telephone: 0845 1400 091. Opening hours: 9.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
*Susan White is a fictional name used to protect the patient’s identity.