It is well recognised that having a child or adolescent with cancer puts a large financial strain on a family unit with the extra costs involved [1].
These include:
- The cost of living and eating away from home
- The impact on one or both parents/carers’ ability to work
- Extra childcare costs for siblings
- Travelling expenses between home and the hospital.
Financial help is usually available in the form of allowances and grants as well as benefits – some of which are listed below. Claiming may involve lots of paperwork, and families are encouraged to apply sooner rather than later as some of them are not backdated.
Every family is offered a CLIC Sargent Social Care Service. When cancer strikes young lives, CLIC Sargent does all it can do help limit the damage cancer causes beyond their health. CLIC Sargent specialist care teams are ready to help, support and guide with a package that is tailored to each young cancer patient and their family.
If the service is accepted by the family, their CLIC Sargent Social Worker can help with the daunting task of applying for grants and benefits and assist with helping to understand the forms. They cannot fill in forms for them nor apply on their behalf; legally they must submit their own forms.
CLIC Sargent Social Workers are not trained benefits advisors but they can signpost families to their accredited telephone welfare advice line, funded by CLIC Sargent in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support and Citizen’s Advice Bureau. You can access this service by calling 0800 815 4439 or by emailing welfareadvice@clicsargent.org.uk
CLIC Sargent Social Workers (CSSW) liaise with the family’s Paediatric Oncology Outreach Nurse Specialist (POONS) and the family’s local authority social worker (if they have one) to help the family identify resources to help meet their individual circumstances. They can also help the family to explore access to suitable holidays.
CLIC Sargent financial information
Possible Benefits and Allowances
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Allowance (PIP)
- Must be diagnosed for more than three months before they can apply
Carer’s Allowance
- For those on the middle or high rate DLA care component earning less than a set amount per week.
Child Tax Credit
Working Tax Credit
Travel Expenses
- Travel expenses are available for some families who are eligible for specific benefits. Certain health boards fund transport and accommodation costs if the child or young person is to be treated away from their home or local health board. Some parents/carers also qualify for travel expenses if they have a low income and are on specific benefits.
Utility bills
- Certain energy providers offer income-based grants to help to pay off arrears.
Mortgage
- Some parents/carers have mortgage payment protection set up.
Life insurance
- If they have life insurance, the policy might include serious illness cover that can be claimed if one’s child has a cancer diagnosis.
Charity grants
- There are various grants that the family may qualify for from both local and national charities, some of which are not means-tested.
Further questions
If you have any questions or would like further information on any of the points listed above, please contact one of the CLIC Sargent Social Workers.
If you feel a family you are working with, who have a child or young person with cancer, require more information please also direct them to call their local CLIC Sargent Social Worker.
Further information
Financial information and support from CLIC Sargent
Emotional and practical support from CLIC Sargent
CLIC Sargent - Understanding benefits
Other sources of advice
Macmillan Cancer Support - Understanding and managing your finances
Macmillan Cancer Support - Benefits and other financial support
Your local Citizens Advice office
References
[1] CLIC Sargent (2012) What Now? For Parents and Carers. CLIC Sargent. United Kingdom