As well as help with money and benefits, our Advice Team can guide you through practical matters like transport, insurance and planning for the future.
Transport and parking
Transport costs
Journeys to and from hospital can add up. Our Advisors can let you know if there are any benefits or grants you’re entitled to, to help with travel costs for cancer treatment.
The NHS Help with Health Costs scheme means that you can be reimbursed for travel to hospital appointments. You can find more information on transport costs in Wales here.
Blue Badges for cancer patients
If you or someone you love has cancer they may be eligible to apply for a Disabled Parking Scheme Badge (Blue Badge).The Blue Badge scheme allows you to park closer to your destination making it easier for you to reach where you are going. Eligibility depends on whether you receive a qualifying mobility benefit or if your mobility needs fit the discretionary criteria. There are special rules for people with a life limiting illness.
The scheme is administered by local authorities and each area has its own application process. Supporting medical evidence, proof of mobility benefit award and ID may be required. We can help you to apply for or renew a parking badge.
Help with NHS Costs
Our Advisors can let you know if you can access this scheme to help with NHS costs.
The NHS Help with Health Costs scheme means that you can get help with the costs of dental treatments, prescription charges, optician costs and wigs.
For more information on help with health costs in Wales click here and for England click here.
Home, equipment and products
Adapting your home and specialist equipment
If you are living with cancer or its side effects, you may need to make adjustments to your home or buy special equipment to help you with day-to-day life. Our Advisors can guide you to access support services or needs assessments, and direct you to any grants or benefits available to help with these additional costs.
Travel Insurance for cancer patients
Having cancer can affect your travel insurance, but it’s important you disclose this when purchasing a policy. If you don’t, there’s a risk your company may not agree to cover any costs you incur, if you need health care when you are on holiday. For more information, click here.
Useful services for cancer patients
Priority care from Western Power Distribution
If you live in Wales, the Midlands or the South West of England, Western Power Distribution are responsible for getting electricity to your home, regardless of your supplier. Sometimes power cuts can happen for reasons beyond their control and can be particularly worrying if you rely on electricity for medical equipment or if you are elderly, very ill or disabled. By joining their free Priority Service Register, you’ll be given a direct number to call in the event of a power cut so you can get straight through, and will be kept as informed as possible. They’ll also make sure to notify you about any planned interruptions.
You can register online here. Please remember to let them know you heard about the Register through Tenovus Cancer Care. We’ll receive £1 for every person who mentions us, which will help keep our services running. For more information click here.
Priority Services from Welsh Water
If you live in Wales and you or a loved one have cancer, you may be eligible to register for Welsh Water’s Priority Services. This means they can provide you with bottled water if your water supply is interrupted, and provide additional support if the supply may be off for longer. Find out more about how they can help here.
Contact our Benefits Advice Team
Get in touch with our friendly team who can offer advice on keeping on top of your money. Either use our Ask the Advisor form or call our free Support Line on 0808 808 1010.