Finances and Cancer
A cancer diagnosis can bring unexpected financial pressures and practical challenges — from managing everyday costs and travel to understanding benefits or finding support at home. You don’t have to face these things alone.
Below is a list of trusted websites and organisations that offer free, practical advice and financial help for people affected by cancer. Whether you need support with energy bills, applying for benefits, getting help at home, or accessing grants, these resources are here to guide you.
Did you know that everyone undergoing treatment for cancer, or the effects of cancer or its treatment, is entitled to free prescriptions?
Click the link or speak to your clinical team to find out more.
Financial Help Information about benefits, grants and loans you may be able to apply for
Transportation
Debt Help
Organisations that can offer assistance if you are struggling with debt.
Benefits Advice
This is a UK-wide charity working to end hunger by providing emergency food parcels and practical support through its network of over 1,200 food banks . If you’re facing cancer, dealing with treatment costs or low income, their local food banks can help ease the strain by offering nutritious food and essentials during tough times.
The Bread and Butter project works hard to bring nutritious, fresh food directly where it’s needed most; into communities where access is limited by affordability and availability. We make sure that no matter what our members are going through, they can still put tasty, healthy food on the table. It’s free to join, no referral needed and more importantly, no judgement. Just big smiles and even bigger shopping bags.
NHS Wig Service
Patients receiving cancer treatment may be eligible for a free wig or financial contribution through the NHS.
- Free wigs are available to patients on certain benefits (e.g. Universal Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit).
- If you’re not eligible for free support, you may still be offered a subsidised NHS wig, usually through your hospital’s prosthetics or oncology team.
- Ask your clinical nurse specialist (CNS) or hospital team about a referral to the wig service or local supplier.
Connectivity
Help to get online and connected.
Social Tariffs
Many internet service providers offer discounted social tariff products which provide a lower-cost internet service for those who are struggling to afford an internet connection or phone services.
DWP & TalkTalk voucher scheme for job seekers
Jobseekers can get free broadband for six months via a no-contract voucher. TalkTalk and the Department for Work and Pensions have joined forces to offer job seekers these vouchers to enable you to access the internet to search and apply for jobs online.
Skills
Helping you to gain confidence and skills in accessing the internet and other digital resources.
Good Things Foundation
The national digital inclusion charity provides support to build and grow individuals’ digital skills. They also have a wide variety of resources available including guides to help older residents get online and many more.
AbilityNet
This charity works to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age or background, can access the power of digital technology. Tech volunteers provide free IT support to older people and disabled people of any age, anywhere in the UK.
AgeUK
Their information pages are designed for people who are already online but want to boost their confidence. From keeping in touch with friends and family to grocery shopping online.
Coming Soon!
The personalised care team is working on a series of animations to support common concerns affecting people with cancer, including finances & benefits.
This will be available in autumn 2025.