Macmillan Welfare Rights Service - Shefford, Bedfordshire

Working in partnership with Central Bedfordshire Council and Macmillan Cancer Support, we deliver a free, confidential specialist benefits advice service to people who have been diagnosed with cancer, including their family and carers who live in Central Bedfordshire, Bedford and to the patients of the North West Anglia Foundation NHS Trust, delivered Face to Face, by telephone and email.

We recognise that a cancer diagnosis can result in additional expenses such as heating, food, clothing and travel costs while income may be reduced. We aim to prevent financial hardship and to help with the costs of a cancer diagnosis through help to claim benefits and grants that are available.

We provide high quality and trusted advice on welfare benefit entitlement and assist with form completion, advocacy and representation at tribunal. The service also assists with applying for grant applications and can assist with health costs such as travel to hospital. We also advise on accessing services or equipment such as aids or adaptations or social service assessments and can refer or signpost to local services for further advice and support.

The service has 4 full time equivalent welfare rights advisers who deliver advice at our local hospitals and outreach centres across Central Bedfordshire and Bedford as well as to the patients of the North West Anglia Foundation Trust. Referrals can be made by calling our referral line on 0300 300 8145, by email on macmillan@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or by completing a standard referral form available at: https:www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/officeforms/Macmillan-Referral.ofml