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Benefits available because you cannot work

If you are employed, you are probably entitled to statutory sick pay from your employer and then could be eligible for new-style Employment and Support Allowance after 28 weeks. You may also be paid contractual sick pay from your company, depending on your contract of employment. If you are self-employed and have paid enough National Insurance, you can claim new-style Employment and Support Allowance without the 28 week wait.

Benefits because your illness causes you to have difficulty walking or taking care of yourself

  • Personal Independence Payment is available if you are under ‘state pension age’. To qualify you need to have had problems with mobility or daily-living for 3 months and they need to be likely to exist for a further 9 months (amongst other criteria). This benefit is not means-tested or taxable.
  • Attendance Allowance is available if you are over ‘state pension age’, but you need to have had care needs for 6 months. This benefit is also not means-tested or taxable.
  • Either of the above could entitle someone else to claim Carer’s Allowance if they look after you for 35 hours a week or more.

Benefits because you are on a low income

  • If you are under the ‘state pension age’ and have capital of less than £16,000 you might be entitled to additional income related benefits, such as Universal Credit, which can be paid even if you or your partner are working.
  • If you are over ‘state pension age’, you might be entitled to Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.
  • Universal Credit replaces most means-tested benefits for working age people (except Council Tax Reduction). You will normally need to apply on-line and have an email address. Go to www.gov.uk for information about how to apply.
  • Citizens Advice Help to Claim Service can support you in the early stages of your Universal Credit claim, from the application, through to your first payment. You can contact an adviser through the free national Help to Claim phone service: England: 0800 144 8444.
  • Talk online to a trained adviser online about your Universal Credit application process. Chat is usually available 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday on the Citizens Advice website. It's not available on public holidays. If no advisers are available, the chat box won’t appear.

Benefits because you have a terminal illness

If you have a terminal illness, you are likely to have automatic entitlement to Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance and might be fast-tracked to other benefits. Seek further advice as soon as possible.

How to claim benefits 

  • For Company and Statutory Sick Pay, ask your employer.
  • For Personal Independence Payment: 0800 917 2222
  • For Attendance Allowance: 0800 731 0122
  • For Carer’s Allowance: 0800 731 0297
  • For Council Tax Reduction forms, contact your local council benefits department.
  • For Pension Credit: 0800 99 1234

Further information

More detailed information can be obtained from:

To seek further advice

To speak to someone on a more personal basis for detailed information and advice please contact:

  • The Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 0000
  • If you are having difficulty getting benefits into payment, need help with an appeal against a benefit decision or feel you need more help and advice regarding your benefit claim, then please either drop in to the Macmillan Information Centre at Wexham Park Hospital, Mon-Fri 9am- 4pm, or ask your Clinical Nurse Specialist to make a referral to the Macmillan Berkshire Benefits Service provided by Citizens Advice Reading, for expert advice and support.
     

Contact us

If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Cancer care service.

About this information

Service:
Cancer care

Reference:
HH/038

Approval date:
19 April 2024

Review date:
1 April 2027

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Important note 

This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.