CampaignsPensions & BenefitsCancer patients lose out on millions of unclaimed benefits Cancer patients lose out on millions of unclaimed benefits
15/03/2010
More than £90 million in disability benefits is going unclaimed by people diagnosed with terminal cancer in the UK, according to new research by Macmillan Cancer Support.
Over a third (36 per cent) of terminally ill cancer patients are dying without receiving either Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance (AA) – key benefits to which they are automatically entitled. The reasons for low take-up include people not knowing they are eligible, the perceived stigma of claiming state benefits and the confusing claiming process.
To help cancer patients and carers find out what benefits they may be able to claim, Macmillan has launched an easy-to-use online program called Benefits made clear. The interactive guide, which is the first provided by a charity, can be found at Macmillan's website, linked below.
The report findings are only the tip of the iceberg. Millions more is going unclaimed by people with cancer who do not have a terminal diagnosis. By not claiming DLA or AA, people are also missing out on linked benefits such as Carers Allowance.
Ian Leech says: “Our 20 year old daughter, Melissa, was diagnosed with lymphoma in the summer of 2007 but it wasn’t until the end of February 2008 that she got benefit money. It was too late. She died just over two months later.
“As a student she fell through the benefits gap, but even when she applied for DLA we were told a decision could take three months. The forms were horrendously complicated, we sent them off, but then had to keep phoning to find out what was happening to her application.”
The research shows huge variation in take-up across the UK. England has the lowest claim rate overall – 39 per cent do not claim. Cancer patients in the North West are twice as likely to claim as patients in the South East.
Ciarán Devane, Chief Executive at Macmillan Cancer Support, says:
“It’s tragic that terminally ill cancer patients are struggling to make ends meet when there’s money available. Benefits make a real difference to people who have to deal with money worries on top of having cancer. Macmillan can help people find their way through the notoriously complicated benefits system so we urge people to go online or speak to one of our benefits advisers.”
Macmillan also provides financial information via a national helpline, local benefits advisers and a range of publications.