Finances and secondary breast cancer

There can be hidden costs of living with secondary breast cancer but there are many benefits and grants you may be able to apply for.

Benefits

If you are working and become sick you will probably be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for 28 weeks. If you are unable to work or don't have a job you can apply for Incapacity Benefit (IB). There are other allowances that can help with some of the extra costs of care or help with costs incurred from your illness or treatment.

You can apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) if you are under 65 or Attendance Allowance if you are over 65. Many people with secondary breast cancer apply for DLA since symptoms such as fatigue mean there are times when they may need care. A mobility payment with this allowance can cover any help you may need getting around.

Special circumstances

You can claim certain benefits such as DLA and IB under special rules so that the claim is fast tracked and may be paid at a higher rate. Special circumstances include when breast cancer has spread beyond the breast and there is a possibility that a person may not live for longer than six months. Although no one can accurately predict the progress of the disease, many women with secondary breast cancer are encouraged to claim under these special rules to help their financial security - and we speak with many women who claim for a long period of time.

Working versus not working

Some women decide to stop work when they find out they have secondary breast cancer, while others need the routine and normality work may bring. As secondary breast cancer is a recognised disability you have the right to ask your employer if you can work flexibly, for example working shorter days or part time. Whatever your decision, it is important that you discuss with your employer your options regarding pensions and any future payments to your family.

It is also worth checking out any critical illness, life insurance or mortgage protection policies you may have taken out to see if you have any entitlement or cover of premiums. You may find it useful to discuss your options with an independent financial adviser.

Financial benefits and grants are there to make your life easier, and although they may not be your top priority, do apply as soon as you feel able, even if you are not sure you are eligible.

Who to ask

The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) or your local Jobcentre Plus are good places to go for financial guidance. The Department of Work and Pensions has a free benefits enquiry line and you can also download information from its website.

Breast care nurses or Macmillan nurses can often help with financial information and form filling. If you no longer see your breast care nurse, ask at your hospital or GP surgery to be referred to a Macmillan nurse who can advise you on what you could claim. A medical social worker will know what grants or other services may be available for you, and may help with the paperwork. To speak to a medical social worker, ring your hospital and ask for the social work department.

You can also search online for your local Macmillan benefits advice service.