I thought it could be useful for some people if we had a thread on different types of social care and benefits and where/how to access them. I’ve listed a few sources of information and advice which might be helpful. Has anyone got any practical advice for those struggling to access benefits or social care? Would you feel comfortable sharing what helped you in this situation?
Accessing Welfare Benefits, Grants and General Financial Guidance
Macmillan have information around different kinds of benefits and financial help and they also have a tool which allows you to check your entitlement to benefits - Macmillan benefits and financial support information
Here’s the link to their financial support tool - Financial support tool
Furthermore, here is the link to Macmillan’s support line), which offers people the chance to talk to different teams, including
- Financial guides
- Work support team
- Welfare rights
- Energy Advice
There’s also a bit of information on this page of CAB’s website about their partnership with Macmillan to provide advice on welfare benefits to people affected by cancer - Citizen’s Advice and Macmillan
Age UK also have information around managing finances and claiming different benefits for older people - Age UK financial guidance
Leukaemia Care have these downloadable booklets about welfare benefits
- Welfare benefits
- Welfare Benefits - Disability and bereavement
- Universal credit, special circumstances and other sources of help
Cancer Research UK also have a list of benefits.
I also came across this infosheet from Myeloma uk - https://www.myeloma.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Myeloma-UK-Managing-your-finances-benefits-Infosheet.pdf
CRUK also have also listed charities which can offer grants and information about grants to people with cancer and their families - charity grants
Help with Other Costs i.e Travel and Healthcare
Macmillan have information around help with transport and parking costs,here
The NHS website has information around help with health costs and also the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme which some people may be eligible for.
Macmillan have the following information around financial support with health costs such as dental treatment and prescriptions - Help with Health Costs
Practical Help/Social Care
Blue Badge scheme - CAB - Applying for a Blue Badge
Leukaemia Care have this useful guide about the blue badge scheme and who can access these - Blue badge scheme
In some areas of the UK, Age UK run transport services which can take people to their GP, hospital appointments and places such as the supermarket - Transport Services
Age UK also have information around care needs assessments and arranging social care including within the home and elsewhere - Arranging social care
Macmillan have some information around child care and pet care for people going into hospital