Cancer financial advice needed

[Neverendingdust]

I know it’s a difficult subject for some but I’m not sure where to put this… I’m sure others will sadly have experience of this.

A family member has very recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer and I wanted to know what financial help is available as they will be most likely having to go on long term sick leave with a view to not actually being able to go back. Sick pay is statutory after 2 weeks full pay I believe.

Some background, they’re mortgage free, personal credit card debt (approx £9k) but earns low- average salary so no real savings pot as such, almost at pension age. Their partner has a Motability car through having MS and is unable to work so already claims appropriate benefits. House is not in their name only the spouses, they do
have a life insurance policy but no will.

What practical points do I need to get them consider going forward and what is available as support for them? Can they claim PIP?

Any help and suggestions welcomed, thank you.

Contact MacMillan as they have a lot of useful info for both the individual and their family. www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/get-help/benefits-and-grants

MacMillan were really good, not just on the financial side, as support for the whole family. They will answer your questions honestly as there are questions you may not want to ask the person.

I’m sorry you have had this sad news, from experience there is a lot of help but you need to be pro active and ask the hospital and other sources to navigate this difficult time.

PIP under special rules if they have been given 6 months or less to live. Macmillan will help them claim that.

DH drew down his pension, tax free so that might be worth looking at if they pay into a pension plan.

Sorry to hear this. Macmillan is definitely the right contact here, they were so helpful to a colleague of mine and now everything that’s available for assistance at this time

Possibly Universal credit as a joint claim if they have less than 16k savings between them. Does the partner currently get any other benefits apart from ( presumably ) PIP ?
On Universal credit, he would automatically be granted the LCWRA element if he is deemed to have less than 6 months to live. he needs to ask his Nurse specialist or Consultant if he is eligible for a Ds1500 form which is what the DWP will need to be able to award PIP and LCWRA element of Universal credit under special rules.
Depending on joint income/ benefits, they may be able to apply for a macmillan grant which is a one off payment towards heating costs, travel costs to treatment or any other specific item related to their cancer or treatment.
If taking a lump sum from pension, that would be treated as capital so will affect any means tested benefits.
Macmillan phone line have a number of different specialized team , each of whom can deal with different things - financial guidance for pensions, wills, insurance etc, welfare rights for benefits and grants, energy team for energy costs/ grants and a team for emotional support. They also have a work support team to support with any issues from employment.

Thanks for the replies… I will tell them to contact Macmillan.