What Benefits Are Cancer Patients Entitled to in the UK – Know Your Rights

A Deep Dive into Financial Help, Real-Life Support, and Resources for Families

A cancer diagnosis changes lives in ways that are hard to predict. As patients begin navigating a maze of appointments, treatments, and hospital stays, a quieter crisis often begins to unfold — the financial impact.

This article serves as a comprehensive guide for UK cancer patients and their families to understand exactly what benefits they are entitled to, how to claim them, and where to get help. Whether you’re employed, self-employed, retired, or a caregiver, the support available could ease your financial burden and give you space to focus on healing.

How Does Cancer Affect Your Finances in the UK?

When people think of cancer, they often think about treatment and recovery. But many overlook the practical challenges of day-to-day living. A cancer diagnosis often leads to an unexpected drop in income, especially if the patient must stop working during treatment.

Some people are unable to return to work for months — or even permanently — due to fatigue, weakened immune systems, or complications like lymphoedema or nerve damage. Simultaneously, everyday costs start to rise. These may include:

• Travel to frequent hospital appointments, sometimes far from home
• Higher heating bills due to increased sensitivity to cold
• Nutritional supplements or special diets
• Paying for home care, taxis, or cleaning help
• Prescription costs (unless exempt)

All these expenses create a significant financial strain — particularly for those living alone or supporting children. For many, it’s the first time they’ve ever had to claim benefits, and navigating the system can feel overwhelming.

What Benefits Are Cancer Patients Entitled To in the UK?

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Who Can Claim It?

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit aimed at people aged 16 to State Pension age who need help with the extra costs of a long-term illness or disability. It’s one of the most important benefits for cancer patients, particularly those whose condition affects their ability to manage day-to-day life.

PIP is split into two parts:

• Daily Living Component – for help with tasks such as cooking, washing, dressing, or taking medication.
• Mobility Component – for those who have trouble moving around, getting out of the house, or navigating unfamiliar routes.

Each part has a standard and enhanced rate. You could receive between approximately £72 and £184 per week, tax-free.

Fast Track for Terminally Ill Patients

If a patient has a terminal diagnosis (life expectancy of under 12 months), they can apply under the Special Rules for End of Life (SREL). This fast-tracks the application process and usually results in the highest rates being awarded without a face-to-face assessment.

Key Tip: Even if you’re undergoing treatment and still able to live independently, side effects like extreme fatigue, nausea, brain fog, or emotional distress can qualify you for PIP. Don’t underestimate how your condition affects you day to day.

Can You Still Claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) If You’re Employed?

Yes, in certain situations. Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is for people who can’t work due to illness or disability. It’s especially relevant for cancer patients who are either:

• Not eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (e.g., self-employed), or
• Have exhausted their SSP (after 28 weeks)

There are two types:

• New Style ESA: Available to those who’ve paid enough National Insurance contributions in recent years.
• Legacy ESA (income-related): Now replaced by Universal Credit in most parts of the UK.

When you apply, you’ll be placed in one of two groups:

• Work-Related Activity Group: You may be expected to prepare for work in the future.
• Support Group: No work requirements and higher payments.

Most cancer patients are placed in the Support Group.

Real World Tip: ESA can be claimed in conjunction with PIP, and if your household has low income, you may be eligible for both ESA and Universal Credit simultaneously.

What Is Universal Credit and How Can Cancer Patients Benefit from It?

Universal Credit (UC) is a monthly payment to help with living costs. It replaces six legacy benefits, including Housing Benefit, Income Support, and Working Tax Credit.

If you’re a cancer patient and your income has dropped — or you’re unable to work — Universal Credit may provide crucial help. It covers:

• Rent and housing costs
• Daily living expenses for food, utilities, and basic needs
• Support for carers or children if you’re responsible for others

Why It’s Relevant for Cancer Patients:

• You may be placed in the limited capability for work-related activity group, which increases your payment and removes job-search requirements.
• It can also top up earnings if your partner is still working or if you’re working reduced hours.
• You can apply online and be assessed via telephone or paper forms if you’re too unwell for digital applications.

Tip: Unlike PIP, UC is means-tested, so the amount you receive depends on household income, savings, and whether you live with a partner.

What Is Attendance Allowance and Who Qualifies?

Attendance Allowance is designed for those who are over State Pension age and have a disability or illness that requires extra support. Unlike PIP, it doesn’t cover mobility, but it does provide weekly payments to help with:

• Supervision or assistance during the day or night
• Managing medication
• Mobility within the home
• Risk of falls, forgetfulness, or confusion (common in older cancer patients)

There are two rates, depending on your level of need:

• Lower rate: For those who need frequent help during the day or night.
• Higher rate: For those needing both day and night support.

Even if you live alone or don’t have a carer, you can still claim — it’s based on need, not who provides the care.

Are There Any Additional Benefits Cancer Patients Should Be Aware Of?

Yes, and these often go unclaimed. Additional support includes:

Free NHS Prescriptions

If you’re receiving cancer treatment or have had it in the past, you’re entitled to free prescriptions in England. You must apply for a medical exemption certificate (FP92A) through your GP or hospital.

Blue Badge Parking

Cancer treatment can affect your stamina and mobility. If you struggle to walk long distances, you may qualify for a Blue Badge, giving you access to priority parking spaces and reduced congestion charges.

Council Tax Support

Many local councils offer Council Tax Reduction for people with disabilities or low income due to illness. Depending on your financial situation, you could receive a 25% discount or more.

Healthcare Travel Costs

The NHS Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme helps patients on qualifying benefits (like UC or ESA) claim back travel expenses to hospital or clinic appointments.

What Grants or Charitable Help Is Available for Cancer Patients?

In addition to state benefits, several charities offer grants, equipment, and emotional support, including:

• Macmillan Cancer Support: One-off grants of £200–£350 for essentials like heating, bedding, clothing, or travel.
• Turn2Us: Helps you search for local and national grants based on your condition.
• Maggie’s Centres: Provide on-site benefit advisers who can assist with claims and appeals.
• Marie Curie: Offers financial advice and end-of-life care support.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait until you’re struggling. Apply early — some grants are available even during diagnosis and treatment planning stages.

What If You’re Self-Employed or Have Savings?

If you’re self-employed, you can still claim several benefits. For example:

• PIP is not based on income, so self-employed people can apply without issue.
• New Style ESA can be claimed if you’ve paid sufficient National Insurance.
• Universal Credit may top up your income if your earnings drop due to illness.

Even if you have savings, you may still qualify for benefits like:

• Council Tax Reduction
• Attendance Allowance
• Blue Badge and Prescription Exemption

Savings only affect means-tested benefits, and even then, you’re often allowed up to £6,000 before it affects your claim.

What Should Employers Know About Supporting Cancer Patients?

Employers in the UK have a legal obligation under the Equality Act 2010 to provide reasonable adjustments for employees with cancer — who are automatically classed as disabled.

These may include:

• Flexible hours or phased return-to-work plans
• Remote working where possible
• Time off for treatment or recovery

Additionally, the Access to Work scheme can help employers and employees by covering the cost of adjustments like:

• Specialist equipment
• Mental health support
• Transport assistance

What Should You Do If Your Benefit Claim Is Rejected?

It’s common for claims like PIP to be initially denied — sometimes due to lack of medical evidence or misunderstanding of your condition.

If this happens:

1. Request a Mandatory Reconsideration within one month.
2. If that fails, appeal to the First-tier Tribunal.

Success rates for appeals are high — often over 60% — especially with professional support from:

• Macmillan advisers
• Citizens Advice
• Welfare Rights Officers

Final Thoughts: Why Knowing Your Rights Is Crucial

Being diagnosed with cancer is one of life’s hardest challenges. Worrying about money should not add to that burden. Thankfully, the UK welfare system — supported by charities and local authorities — offers a comprehensive safety net for those who need it most.

Knowing what benefits you’re entitled to isn’t just about money — it’s about preserving dignity, reducing stress, and giving you the space to focus on what matters: getting better.