There is lots of financial support available if you have a disability or you’re having treatment for your sarcoma.
You might need help because you can’t work, or because you’re spending more money than usual on things like travelling to appointments.
We have summarised the financial support available to you below.
Disability Benefits
There are benefits available if you have a disability or cancer and need financial help. For example, if you’re unable to work. Also, if your cancer is terminal, you may be entitled to special rules which help you get benefits faster.
Disability benefits are non-means tested. They look at how your illness or disability affects you every day.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people who are aged 16 to the state pension age. It is available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
It is called the Adult Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland.
It’s a benefit for people who:
- are mentally or physically disabled
- have difficulty doing everyday tasks or getting around
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is a payment for people who struggle to move around or need personal care. If you’re over 16 and below state pension age, it is now called Personal Independence Payment (PIP). DLA is still available for children under the age of 16.
If you’re over 16 and live in Scotland, DLA is now called the Adult Disability Payment.
If your child under the age of 16 lives in Scotland, DLA is called Child Disability Payment.
Attendance Allowance (AA)
Attendance Allowance (AA) is a payment for people who are at or above state pension age. It’s for people who need help with washing, dressing, eating and taking medication.
Early retirement due to ill health
When you’re allowed to take money from your private or workplace pension pot depends on the rules of your pension scheme. You might have the following options available:
- most pension providers will allow you to access your pension pot if you are above 55
- if you’re retiring early due to ill health, you might be able to access your pension pot if you are below 55. You may be able get extra payments if you are taking early retirement.
- if your doctor or nurse has said you have less than 12 months to live, you might be able to access your pension pot early. You may also be able to get higher payments.
Make sure to check with your pension provider. You might also want to get financial advice to work out the best option for you.
Find details about early retirement on the Government website.
Special rules
If your doctor or nurse has said you may have less than 12 months to live, you might be able to get faster and easier access to certain benefits. You may also be able to get higher payments for certain benefits.
To start, your GP, doctor or nurse will need to complete an SR1 form. If approved, you can make a fast-tracked claim to the following benefits (for which you are eligible):
Help with toilet needs
The National Key Scheme (NKS) allows people with a disability, including cancer, access to public disabled toilets across the UK. You can buy a RADAR key (Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation) from Disability Rights UK or call 0203 687 0790.
Macmillan Cancer Support also offer a free toilet card and leaflet, which is designed to give you urgent access to a toilet when out in public.
Order a free toilet card and leaflet from Macmillan Cancer Support.
Health costs
If you have cancer, you may need help paying for some of the services you need. If you’re going through cancer treatment, you may be able to get help paying for:
- prescriptions
- wigs and fabric supports
- dental care and eyecare
- special equipment
Free prescriptions
All prescriptions are free if you live in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
If you live in England, prescriptions usually cost money. If you have cancer, you’re entitled to free prescriptions for anything related to your cancer treatment.
To be eligible, you need to apply for a medical exemption certificate.
Your GP or doctor can help you with applying.
Check if you can get free prescriptions on the NHS website.
Free wigs and fabric supports
Free wigs and fabric supports are available on the NHS for people having cancer treatment who live in Wales or Scotland.
If you live in Northern Ireland, you can get free wigs from health and social care services.
In England, you may be able to get free wigs and fabric supports or you may be charged for them. This depends on your personal circumstances.
Find details about who can get free wigs and fabric supports from the NHS.
Dental care and eyecare
You might be entitled to discounted or free dental care or eyecare. This depends on where you live and your personal circumstances.
Find details about free dental care and eyecare from Macmillan Cancer Support.
Special equipment
You may need special equipment to help you live at home. For example, you might need a special mat to stop you slipping in the shower, or a rail to help you get out of bed. You may be able to get this equipment for free.
To get help with special equipment, contact:
- your doctor or nurse
- your local social services
Learn about special equipment from Living Made Easy.
Learn about Disabled Facilities Grants from the Government website.
Transport and parking
If you’re having cancer treatment, you may have to attend a hospital more than you normally would. This can cost a lot of money. If you need financial support or struggle to move around easily, there are many ways you can get help. For example, if you are disabled, you may be able to apply for a blue badge. This could allow you to park closer to your destination, so you don’t have to walk as far. It may also mean you can park for free in some places that usually charge for parking.
Find details about help with transport and parking from Macmillan Cancer Support.
Benefits at the end of life
If your doctor or nurse has said you have 12 months or less to live, you may be able to get some benefits faster and at a higher rate than normal. This process is called special rules.
To be eligible for special rules, your doctor or nurse must complete:
- An SR1 form if you’re claiming:
A BASRiS form if you live in Scotland and are claiming adult disability payment (ADP) or child disability payment (CDP)
Published: October 2024 | Next review due: October 2027
