October 2016
Ministers are working closely with cancer charities to ensure patients get the support they need during and after their treatment. Last year it was announced that everyone diagnosed with cancer in England will benefit from a tailored recovery package by 2020, a key recommendation in the Cancer Strategy. The recovery package, developed by Macmillan Cancer Support, will signpost people to rehabilitation and financial support services to help with the costs of cancer.
Children and teenagers with serious or critical illnesses such as cancer are also entitled to apply Disability Living Allowance or DLA (or a Personal Independence Payment if over 16). This is a tax free allowance, which contributes to the extra costs incurred by families in caring for children with additional needs and includes a mobility component. Children in receipt of DLA can receive up to £139.75 a week, and people who are terminally ill can have their claim fast tracked to access benefits sooner. Families and carers can also qualify for Carer’s Allowance and receive £62.10 a week if they are eligible. Some councils also run Council Tax Reductions schemes for people on low incomes or who claim benefits.
Details on help with health costs in the NHS in England, the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme, can be found here http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/Healthcosts/Pages/Travelcosts.aspx
