Money worries and cancer: your questions answered

A cancer diagnosis can have many financial implications. Here you can find frequently asked questions about claiming benefits, getting help with living costs and managing your finances if you're impacted by cancer.

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What financial help can I get?

If cancer is affecting your income, you may be able to get financial help.

You might also be able to get help with energy bills or council tax. You might be entitled to benefits even if you have never claimed before.

How can Macmillan help?

Our money advisers can explain what you might be entitled to.

Call 0808 808 00 00 for free available Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm or use our online web chat.

Having information ready about your bills and income before you call can help. 

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Benefits and what you can claim

What benefits could I claim?

You may be able to claim benefits such as Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit, Universal Credit (UC), Employment Support Allowance (ESA), Personal Independence Payment or PIP (England, Wales or Northern Ireland) or Adult Disability Payment (Scotland). Each benefit has different rules about who can claim.

If you are over State Pension age, you may still be able to get disability‑related financial support if cancer affects your daily life. 

  • What happens if I am terminally ill?

    If someone is terminally ill, they may be able to apply for some benefits under special rules. The process can help people nearing the end of life get easier access to some benefits.

    In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, this usually applies if someone is expected to live for less than 12 months. Scotland does not use a fixed time limit.

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Work and income

What if I have to stop working?

If you stop working for a while, or permanently, make sure you understand your rights to paid sick leave when you have cancer.

If you retire due to cancer, you may be able to get your personal or workplace pension early if you have or have had cancer. But this depends on the rules of your pension scheme or employer.

You may be able to withdraw money from a Lifetime ISA or private pension. If you qualify for ill-health early retirement, your pension scheme will tell you what your options are. You may wish to speak to a regulated financial adviser before you decide.

  • Help if you’re self-employed, a carer or supporting your family

    If cancer is affecting your work, caring responsibilities or family life, it can also impact your finances. We have more information about support and benefits if you are:

    • self-employed – you will not get sick pay, but you can still apply for other benefits such as Universal Credit or ESA if you cannot work or your income decreases
    • a carer – you might be entitled to Carer’s Allowance or other support
    • supporting your family – you could get help with living costs, housing or childcare costs, depending on your circumstances.
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Grants and financial support

Do Macmillan offer grants?

Macmillan grants are no longer available in every part of the UK. However, depending on where you live, you may still be able to get financial support.

For individuals:

Some local areas still offer Macmillan grants, and there may be other financial help you can access.

For communities and professionals:

Macmillan also offers Macmillan Funding Grants to support community groups and professionals to help improve the lives of people affected by cancer.

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Health and travel costs

Can I get help with health costs if I have cancer?

Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

In England, people being treated for cancer can apply for a medical exemption certificate, which gives them free prescriptions.

You may also get help with the costs of:

  • dental treatment
  • eye care and glasses in the UK.

What you pay depends on where you live in the UK, your age and what benefits you get.

  • Can I get help with travel, parking or travel insurance if I have cancer?

    If cancer or its treatment makes travelling harder or more expensive, you may be able to get support.

    Parking and travel concessions

    You may be able to apply for a Blue Badge if you have problems with moving around. A Blue Badge can help you park closer to where you need to go, including at hospitals.

    You might be able to get help with travel costs for medical appointments, depending on your situation.

    Travel insurance

    Having cancer, or a previous cancer diagnosis, can affect your travel insurance.

Help with bills and living costs

Can I get help with my energy bills if I have cancer?

If you are experiencing difficulties paying your energy bills, you can speak to your energy supplier. They can talk to you about available government payments and charity schemes you might be entitled to. 

  • Can I get help with costs if I have oil heating?

    If you use oil heating, you may be able to get help with the costs. Oil prices can rise quickly, and this can make it harder to keep your home warm.

    Support may be available. This could include:

    • help from your local council
    • discretionary support funds in your area government or
    • charity schemes for people struggling with heating costs.

    If rising oil prices are affecting you, a Macmillan money adviser can explain the support available in your area and help you understand your options.

    Recent updates:

    The UK Government has announced new support for low‑income households who heat their homes with oil. This funding will be delivered through local councils in England, and through the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. To learn more, visit the GOV.UK website.

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Housing and council tax

Can I get a council tax or rates reduction if I have cancer?

If you are on a low income, council tax or rates reduction schemes can help towards the cost of your council tax. These are different depending on where you live in the UK.

Benefits calculator - what are you entitled to?
Our online calculator can help you find out which benefits and financial support you could be entitled to. It's easy to use and you can use it if you have cancer or if you are caring for someone with cancer.
Start the calculator
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Getting support

Money worries can feel overwhelming when you are already coping with cancer. Whether you have just been diagnosed, or you are caring for someone during their treatment, we are here to help.

Our trained advisers, including cancer information specialist nurses, can provide emotional support and information about all aspects of cancer.

  • Download or order booklets

    You can download or order booklets for free. 

    These include:

    Many of our booklets are available as an audiobook or easy read booklet.

    We also have cancer information available in different languages.

    If you are hard of hearing or D/deaf, and/or use British Sign Language (BSL), you can view a range of videos about cancer.

     

  • How to contact us

    Call the Macmillan Support Line for free on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm.

    Chat online. When chat is open you will see a 'Chat to us' icon at the bottom right of your screen. Click this to start the service. You will be asked a few questions to direct you to the best service to support you.

  • Find local cancer support services
    Use our postcode search to find cancer support services near you from Macmillan and other local organisations. Results come from our trusted partner, Cancer Care Map.
  • Other trusted organisations

    You can also get free independent money advice from:

    • Citizens Advice
    • Advice NI
    • StepChange Debt Charity
    • National Debtline
    • MoneyHelper
    • Turn2us

How we produce our information

Reviewed: April 2026 | Next review: April 2029
  • Keeping our content up to date
    This information has been produced by Macmillan's Digital Content Editor team and reviewed by Macmillan's Cancer Information Development team. Learn more about how we produce our cancer information.
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