We currently offer a signposting service to advice on welfare benefits.
Advice offered by some agencies may depend on where you live and/or may require a referral. The Macmillan Cancer Support line and LJMC staff are able to assist you with this.
Useful contacts
| Macmillan Cancer Support | 0808 808 0000 Mon-Fri: 8.00am-8.00pm Ask for a copy of Help with the cost of cancer (published by Macmillan Cancer Support) Use the Macmillan Benefits Calculator to check the benefits to which you may be entitled |
| Government services and information on welfare benefits | Attendance Allowance (AA): 0800 731 0122 A benefit for anyone who has difficulty looking after themself and is over the state pension age. Personal Independence Payment (PIP): 0800 917 2222 A benefit for anyone who has difficulty moving around or looking after themself and is under the state pension age Universal credit (UC): 0800 328 5644 For people over 18 and under state pension age who are on a low income, out of work or ill Must be claimed online Carer’s Allowance: 0800 731 0297 Call the Carer’s Allowance Unit |
| Citizens Advice | Advice line: 0800 144 8848 Call or visit the website for details of local bureaux Advice must be sought in the area in which council tax is paid |
| AgeUK |
Advice line: 0800 678 1602 Advice on benefits, debt, pensions and other financial matters. Use the online tool to find local contact details |
| Step Change |
0800 138 1111 Debt advice and management plans |
| Shelter |
0808 800 4444 Housing advice helpline |
| ACAS: Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service |
0300 123 1100 Clear, confidential, independent and impartial advice to assist the caller in resolving issues in the workplace |
Grants and other sources of help
| Young Lives vs Cancer | Grants for cancer patients under 25 years old. |
| Macmillan grants | One-off grants (up to £350) for cancer patients to cover a wide range of practical needs. Grants are means-tested. Applications to be completed by a health or social care professional. Ask your clinical nurse specialist, at the LJMC or other Macmillan centre. Apply by phone: 0808 808 0000 |
| CURA grants | Grants for breast cancer patients (means-tested). Applications can be completed by patients and/or healthcare professional.
[Grants are generally available to patients who live within the catchment area of Mount Vernon Hospital] |
| Turn2Us | Use the Grant Search to find charitable funds for which you might be eligible. |
Help with travel costs
Some patients may be eligible for reimbursement of the cost of getting to Mount Vernon Hospital. Please ask for more details.
