A hand holding a purse and a handful of coins.

How to claim benefits

The benefits system can be hard to understand. We have information to guide you through the process of claiming benefits.

Read our guides for claiming benefits

Cancer can impact your finances, especially if you have to stop working. There are different benefits that you may be entitled to, if cancer has affected your income, or how much you can work.

Our information about claiming benefits is specifically written with people affected by cancer in mind. Our guides to claiming benefits explain the application process from start to finish, and include tips for those who have cancer.

Maria, a Cancer Info & Support Officer in her 40s, wearing a headset.
How to claim Personal Independence Payment
You may be able to claim PIP if you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland and your cancer diagnosis affects your ability to do daily tasks or move around. Read our information to learn how you will be assessed for PIP, what you'll need before you start a claim, and how to apply.
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How to claim Universal Credit
Universal Credit helps with living costs if you are on a low income or unable to work. Read our guide to find out what you'll need to start a claim for Universal Credit, how to fill out the form, and where to get support.
A woman taking a call
How to claim Employment and Support Allowance
You can claim Employment and Support Allowance if your cancer diagnosis means you cannot work. Find out how you will be assessed and how to fill in the assessment form.
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How to claim Adult Disability Payment
If you live In Scotland and cancer affects your daily life, you may be eligible for Adult Disability Payment. Learn what you'll need to start a claim, how to apply, and where you can get support with your application.

More information about money and benefits

A lady puts money in her purse.A lady puts money in her purse.
Benefits calculator
Use our Benefits Calculator to learn more about the benefits you may be entitled to.
Two women hugging. They are outside on a pavement. They wear coats. One woman faces away from the camera and one woman faces the camera, she is smiling.Two women hugging. They are outside on a pavement. They wear coats. One woman faces away from the camera and one woman faces the camera, she is smiling.
Bills and housing costs
You may be able to get help with bills and housing costs. This could include rent or mortgage payments, council tax and home adaptations.
A person with red painted fingernails putting their hands up against a radiator.A person with red painted fingernails putting their hands up against a radiator.
Help with the cost of cancer booklet
You can use our booklet to find what type of support might be right for you.
Other benefits and financial support
We have information about other benefits and financial support.

Get information you can trust

All our cancer information is written and reviewed by our team of cancer experts. Our medical information has the PIF tick, meaning it meets the criteria for high standard medical information. Find out more about how we produce our information and our expert team.

 

Date reviewed

Reviewed: 28 August 2026 | Next review: 28 August 2029

How we can help

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

 

Call us free on 0808 808 0000
8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. You can talk to our cancer specialists about anything.
Email the Macmillan Support Line
Email the Macmillan Support Team if you have any questions.
Chat online
Available 8am to 7.45pm, 7 days a week. For confidential, real-time support if you don’t want to call.
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.
Money worries and cancer: your questions answered
We know that cancer can be tough on your finances. You may also be worried about rises to energy bills and other costs of living. There is support available.
Get help