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If you're affected by myeloma
State benefits
It can put a strain on your finances if you or your partner / family member have had to give up work (temporarily or permanently) as a result of you or them having myeloma, or are spending a lot of money on hospital travel and medication. You may be entitled to claim the state benefits outlined below if myeloma is affecting your finances or your ability to work.
The process of claiming benefits can be time-consuming and sometimes confusing, but the hospital may have support nurses or social workers who are able to help you. Your local Citizens Advice Bureau can also help. Macmillan Cancer Support also have a Benefits Advisor – contact details can be found in the ‘Further information and useful organisations’ section on page 48.
Remember that you can apply for benefits at any stage of your myeloma and that you can appeal or re-apply later if an application is not successful.
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is for people under 65 who have difficulty walking and / or looking after themselves. DLA is made up of a care component (for people having difficulties looking after themselves) and a mobility component (for people having difficulties walking or getting around). When you claim DLA your income and savings are not taken into account, so you could claim whilst you are still working or already receiving other benefits. The amount of DLA you receive will depend on how much help or supervision you need.
Attendance Allowance (AA)
Attendance Allowance (AA) is for people aged 65 or over who have difficulty looking after themselves. AA is made up of a care component, paid at different rates according to how much help you need, but there is no help for mobility problems. When you claim AA your income and savings are not taken into account.
Income Support
Income Support is for people under 60 on a low income and is intended to cover your basic living expenses. You cannot usually get Income Support if you work more than 16 hours a week (or if your partner works more than 24 hours a week). It is a means-tested benefit, which means your income and savings will be taken into account when you make a claim. If you receive income support you will be entitled to help with the cost of prescriptions, travel to hospital and wigs.
Statutory Sick Pay
Statutory Sick Pay is paid by your employer for up to 28 days, after which time you may be able to claim Incapacity Benefit (those who are unemployed or self-employed can claim for Incapacity Benefit straight away). If you leave your job, Statutory Sick Pay will stop.
Incapacity Benefit
Incapacity Benefit is paid to people of working age who cannot work due to illness or disability. If you are self-employed or unemployed, you should claim Incapacity Benefit as soon as your illness prevents you working or looking for work. If you are employed you should claim Incapacity Benefit when your Statutory Sick Pay runs out.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit guarantees everyone over 60 a minimum weekly income. Although pension credit takes your income and earnings into account, there is no upper savings limit. If you receive Pension Credit, you may also be entitled to help with things like your housing costs and council tax.
Carer's Allowance
Carer's Allowance can be claimed by your carer if you are awarded DLA or AA at the middle or higher rate for personal care. They must spend at least 35 hours a week looking after you and not earn above £84 per week.
Other help
Help with NHS costs, including travel for hospital treatment, dental treatment, prescriptions and wigs, might be available if you are on a low income.
Contact your local authority (their number will be in your local telephone directory) for information about other types of financial help such as Council Tax reduction. The Social Services Department takes care of things like disabled parking concessions and aids and adaptations for your home.
Contact your local authority (their number will be in your local telephone directory) for information about other types of financial help such as Council Tax reduction. The Social Services Department takes care of things like disabled parking concessions and aids and adaptations for your home.
Videos
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Living with myeloma |
Infosheet
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Managing your finances (Benefits) |
