Help with benefits

Call us:

For specialist benefit advice, contact our Child Cancer Helpline. The number is 0800 197 0068 and the call is free. 

When you’re on treatment there are lots of extra costs to deal with so – depending on your situation – you may be able to get some help.

Under 16?

For people under the age of 16 years benefits such as Disability Living Allowance are payable to the young persons parent or carer.

Over 16?

Here are some of the benefits you may be able to claim:

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

You may get the DLA because of your illness or disability if you:

• Need help to cook, or you find things like washing or dressing more difficult
• Need someone to keep an eye on you to make sure you are safe
• Have problems walking when you are outdoors.

To qualify for DLA you must have needed help for three months and expect to need it for at least a further six months. DLA is not a means tested benefit which means that it is not affected by any savings, or other income that you may receive.

You can get a claim form from your nearest DWP office. Look for the DWP or Benefits Agency display advert in the Business section of the telephone book or call the benefit enquiry line on 0800 882 200 – ask for a DLA claim pack.

We have produced two factsheets about DLA – one for parents and carers of children aged under 16, and the other for young people aged 16+. They are both available to download from our publications and resources section.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

When you apply, you will be assessed and then put into either the Support Group - if you cannot work - or the Work Related Activity Group if you can. ESA can be means tested or contributory, depending on whether you have paid enough contributions.

For the means tested benefit your savings will be taken into account. The first £6,000 of savings is disregarded. Anything over £6,000 and up to £16,000 is assumed to make money and money could be take off your ESA at a rate of £1 for every £250 of savings.

If you get ESA you could be eligible for help with paying rent, council tax and health benefits, eg free prescriptions and eye tests.

To apply phone: 0800 055 6688.

Help with prescription and other health related costs

Young people less than 16 years and young adults under 19 years who are in full time education can get the following for free:

NHS: prescriptions, dental care, eye sight tests, wigs.

Those not in full time education may be able to get NHS help with cost of glasses and fares and parking for hospital appointments too.

To claim help because you have low income ask for HC1 from your local DWP Office.

Social Fund

The Social Fund is a one off payment which you can apply for if you are in receipt of certain benefits.

Payments can cover thing such a funerals, essential household items and emergencies. Depending on your circumstances and the benefits you receive you will either be entitled to apply for a grant or a loan. If you apply for a loan this will have to be repaid and will usually be taken from your on going benefit. Grants are not repayable so you should always apply for a grant before a loan if you fit the criteria.

Housing benefit and Local housing allowance

This benefit helps people on low income pay their rent. The amount you are entitled to depends upon your circumstances ie your dependants and the level of your rent.

Both your income and savings are taken into account for this, and you won't receive any payment if you have more than £16,000 in savings. You can get a claim form from the Housing Benefit Department of your local council.

Council tax benefit

The amount you get depends upon your personal circumstances and the level of council tax. Both your income and savings are taken into account and you won't receive any payment if you have more than £16,000 in savings.

To apply for council tax benefit, contact your local council offices.

Working Tax Credit

 

Working Tax Credit is paid to people who are in employment and receive a low income.

To qualify:

• you must be 16 or over, responsible for a child and work 16 hours or more per week; or
• be 16 or over, work 16 hours or more per week and have a physical or mental disability that puts you at a disadvantage in getting a job and qualify for a disability element in your WTC award. You will qualify for the disability element if you are in receipt of DLA.  

Child Tax Credit

You may get this if you have a dependant child under 16 years. The amount that you get will depend upon your income and personal circumstances. Single people and couples who are responsible for a child are likely to qualify for the credit if they have an annual taxable income up to £58,000 – this income may be higher if you have a child under one year. Child maintenance is not counted as part of your income.

You can download further information about DLA, benefit entitlement, dealing with debt and rent arrears from our publications for young people page.