Help with the cost of living and cancer

We know people are worried about money and that cancer can be tough on your finances. Find out what support is available to help with the cost of living.

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Rises in cost of living

Updated October 2024

The rising cost of living means that many people affected by cancer have had tough choices to make. We know living with less money can be a struggle, particularly if you’ve had to stop working or reduce your hours because of cancer.

We’re here to help no matter what your situation.

 

Cost of living support from the UK Government

 

You can find out what other cost of living support is available on the Government's Help for Households website.

58% of people living with cancer reported money worries - people living with cancer research (2020)

Worried about money?

We are here for you if you have questions about cancer, managing money or you need emotional support. Just call 0808 808 00 00.

A lady puts money in her purse.A lady puts money in her purse.
Understanding Benefits

If you’re worried about money, find out if you are eligible for any benefits such as Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

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Managing household bills

If you are finding money a worry, find out how we can help you manage your household bills. Learn more about Macmillan grants and where you can get extra support if you need it.

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Finding emotional support
Worrying about managing money can affect your mental health. If you are concerned, you are not alone - our support services and expert advisors are available to help you and your loved ones.

Stories of how Macmillan has helped

Read stories on how Macmillan has helped people affected by cancer and the cost of living.

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Money worries and cancer: your stories

Helga, Ruth and Laura share how getting money advice can make such a difference when you are living with cancer.

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Julian

"My partner and I are literally living week by week, faced with so much anxiety about how we’re going to pay the bills and buy food. I can’t praise Macmillan enough for what they’ve done for me .I really would urge anyone in a similar boat to me who is worried about money to get in touch with them." 

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Melanie
"That phone call was like a huge, big hug down that line. You asked me did I need financial help and you asked me so many things. It was like getting the best gift I could ever ask for."
Read more stories

Get in touch for further support

Financial information can be complicated to navigate and it can feel overwhelming when you are trying to decide what to do. Find out how we can help.

Woman on the phone whilst completing financial forms.Woman on the phone whilst completing financial forms.
Macmillan Support Line
If you need to talk, we’ll listen. We offer confidential support to people affected by cancer.
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Welfare Rights Advice
Our advisers can help you figure out the benefits system and benefits you may be entitled to.
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Energy Advice
Our energy advisers can advise you on any help available for managing your energy bills.
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Financial Guidance Helpline
Our guides can help you with all aspects of your finances.
Call us on 0808 800 00 00

Other financial help

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If your partner, family member, friend or colleague has cancer
Get information and support if you need help looking after someone with cancer. If you're a carer giving unpaid support, find out what help is available.
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Free Will Service
Making a will can be an important way to share your wishes about how your money or possessions are shared with your loved ones. There’s no obligation to leave a gift to Macmillan

Access our information in a range of formats

All of our information is available in different languages and formats to suit different needs, including eBooks, audio, and easy read.
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Easy Read

Our Easy Read booklets use simple words and pictures. We have Easy Read booklets about:

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In your language

You can find information about claiming benefits and help with costs when you have cancer in a range of languages.

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Audio

You can listen to our booklet Help with the cost of cancer in audiobook format. It explains the types of financial help you could get and how to claim this support.

Listen to the Help with the cost of cancer audiobook.
More formats

About our information

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


Macmillan Support Line
The Macmillan Support Line is a free and confidential phone service for people living and affected by cancer. If you need to talk, we'll listen. 

 

Call us on 0808 808 00 00
8am to 8pm. It's free to call from landlines and mobiles within the UK.
Email us
Get in touch via this form
Chat online
Every day 8am - 8pm.
Online Community

Chat online anonymously to others who understand what you are going through. Our community is available 24/7 and has dedicated forums where you can get advice and ask our experts.