10 ways to save money this winter when living with cancer

If you are living with cancer, you may be eligible for benefits to help with everyday costs.

Our benefits and financial support information explains what is available and how to apply. Use our Benefits Calculator to check what you might be entitled to.

Winter specific support includes:

• Winter Fuel Payment, 
• Cold Weather Payment and 
• Warm Home Discount Scheme.

Learn more about these winter payments and grants. 

Extra help with energy bills

Struggling to pay your gas and electricity bills? Contact your supplier directly. They can work with you to find a solution, which might include setting up a manageable payment plan. 

Consider joining the Priority Services Register. This is a free service that provides priority help to people who need it most. Find out more about how to register  with your energy supplier.

The UK government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme may help you upgrade your home's heating system. Visit the GOV.UK website for information.

Small changes can make a big difference to how warm your home feels. 

• Put draught excluders by your doors and windows.
• Use radiator reflectors to bounce heat back into rooms,
• Close curtains to help keep warm air in.
• Make sure furniture is not blocking your radiators.

Read our tips on cost effective ways to keep warm or get advice from The Energy Saving Trust's guide to draught-proofing your home.

Cooking in bulk and freezing portions saves money, reduces waste, and cuts energy costs. Soups, stews, and casseroles all freeze well.

Meal planning tips:

1. Plan your week's meals. consider what you enjoy, what's nutritious, and what you can cook in batches.
2. Look for ingredient overlap – buy larger packs of ingredients like mince that work in multiple meals (bolognese, shepherd's pie, chilli)
3. List your ingredients – plan when to buy fresh produce so it's at its best when you need it.
4. Stick to your list when shopping to avoid impulse buys
   

Small changes can reduce the amount of electricity you use:

• Switch to LED light bulbs - they are a lot more energy efficient than regular light bulbs.
• Turn off devices completely rather than leaving them on standby.
• Switch off lights when you leave a room.
• Wash clothes at 30 degrees or lower.
• Only boil the water you need in the kettle.

Small habits can reduce the amount of water you use:

• Boil only you need.
• Choose showers instead of baths.
• Use a washing-up bowl, instead of running the tap continuously.

When did you last review your insurance, broadband, or mobile phone contract? You might be paying more than you need to. Use price comparison websites to find better deals: 

• Compare the Market
• Confused.com
• Go.Compare
• Uswitch.

Days out don't have to be expensive. Here's how to make the most of your budget: 

• Plan ahead – Set a daily budget and stick to it. Consider withdrawing cash or creating a separate "days out" pot in your bank account.
• Look for group discounts – Many attractions offer family or group rates. Booking in advance can also save money.
• Travel off-peak – Public transport, cinema tickets, and attraction entry are often cheaper outside peak times.

If you celebrate Christmas, the season can feel financially overwhelming. Here are ways to reduce gift costs:

• Make homemade gifts – Handmade crafts or baked treats can be more meaningful and personal than shop-bought presents.
• Try Secret Santa – Instead of buying gifts for everyone, each person buys for just one other person. Use free online tools like Draw Names or Elfster to organize it.
• Ask what people actually want – Avoid wasting money on unwanted items. A simple conversation can lead to more thoughtful, affordable gifts. If you celebrate Christmas, the festive period can be an overwhelming time. If you are worried about the extra cost of gifts, here are some ideas to help you keep costs down.

We have more about advice in our blog about Christmas and the cost of living.

School holidays can be expensive for families. If you're caring for school-age children, support may be available.

We have information on childcare costs, including:

• services and charities that might be able to help with the costs of childcare,
• and childcare-related benefits you might be entitled to.

This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan's Digital Content Editor team. Learn more about our Digital Content Editors and how we produce our cancer information. 

Accurate information helps you make informed choices. Rely on expert sources such as Macmillan Cancer Support, the NHS and your own healthcare team. 

We have more information on how to find reliable health information online.