Financial:
This is literally the last thing you want to be thinking about after you’ve been diagnosed. As if its not bad enough that you've been dealt the cancer blow but now you also have to think about how your going to pay the mother effing bills.
Unfortunately it’s just another part of the shit show you have to navigate your way through.
But fear not friends, there are places you can find help:
Macmillan’s website has lots of advice on this and there is also a whole Citizens Advice department dedicated to helping Cancer patients. They can advise and help you apply for the benefits you may be entitled to.
After speaking to my local Citizens Advice, I was given the number for my local Macmillan officer who informed me all about the various benefits I was entitled too and helped me with the applications.
The below links should help you source your nearest departments for advice and support:
Macmillan Financial Support: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/organising/benefits-and-financial-support
Macmillan Citizens Advice: Use this link to find your nearest advice bureau: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/in-your-area/choose-location.html
Benefits you may be entitled to:
· A one off Macmillan Grant from £400: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/organising/benefits-and-financial-support/benefits-and-your-rights/macmillan-grants.html
· PIP allowance (Personal Independence Allowance): https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/organising/benefits-and-financial-support/disability-related-benefits/personal-independence-payment.html
· Money off your council tax: Speak to your local Council or ask your Macmillan Citizens advisor to help with this.
· Housing Benefit: As above
· Contributory based Employment allowance: As above
· Public transport costs and a Taxi card: As above
I would highly recommend arranging a meeting with your local Macmillan Citizens advisor. There you can talk through what benefits you might be eligible for and get help applying for them.
Chemo brain makes even the simplest of tasks seem like almighty up hill battles, so having someone there to help you with the piles of paperwork you will be sent for each application will save you from losing your marbles.