If you have just been diagnosed with breast cancer or are going through treatment, you don’t need money worries to add extra stress to an already stressful situation. There may be costs you haven’t even considered like prescriptions, travel to the hospital and childcare. So it’s important that you have all the relevant information to hand.
Breast cancer and work
Depending on your situation and how you are feeling health wise and emotionally you may decide to stop work. Others find that the routine of going to work helps to take their mind off the situation and believe it’s a positive step forward in coping with their illness. Whatever you decide to do, talk with your employer to go through the options. If you are suffering from secondary breast cancer, you have the right to ask your employer for flexible working hours as it is classified as a disability. There are financial benefits and grants to help you cope with your cancer, so do apply for them even if you think you may not be entitled to them. There are also charities that can help with financial issues, MacMillan Cancer Support being one of them.
If you have any critical illness cover, a mortgage protection plan or life insurance check them out as you may be entitled to a pay out. If you are unsure either contact the company you have a policy with or an independent financial advisor.
Benefits available to breast cancer patients
As benefits are changing all the time, contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau or your local JobCentre Plus for financial advice. There is also a free benefits enquiry line at the Department of Work and Pensions and information on their website. If you are finding the situation confusing and all the form filling stressful, it’s important that you ask for help. If you don’t have a relative to help you, ask your hospital or GP who may refer you to a Macmillan nurse or a social worker.
If you are in employment you will probably be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for 28 weeks. However some companies offer different packages, so it’s important that you check your contract. If you are not in employment or are unable to work you can apply for Incapacity Benefit. In addition to this you may be able to apply for Disability Living Allowance if you are under 65 or Attendance Allowance if you are over 65. For those that are suffering from secondary breast, you may apply for the Disability Living Allowance if you are experiencing symptoms such as fatigue. There are also mobility payments with this type of allowance that may cover travel expenses.
Further Information
For further information on financial issues or accessing benefits, MacMillan Cancer Support do offer a freephone helpline and have plenty of information on their web-site on how they can help. In addition to this contact Jobcentre Plus if you are of working age, between 16 and 65, you can use them to claim benefits. You can also contact the Department of Work and Pensions for social security benefits such as Income Support and Attendance Allowance. This service is for over 60’s and those planning for retirement.
Links to these web-sites are listed below:
www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk.
www.direct.gov.uk/disability.
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Get_Support/Financial_help/Financial_help.aspx