Support & Benefits

Prescriptions are free if you have a cancer diagnosis and our friends at Maggie's explain how to apply for an exemption certificate.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can help with extra living costs if you have both:

• a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability

• difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition

You can get PIP even if you’re working, have savings or are getting most other benefits.

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If you are disabled or have a progressive medical condition you are eligible for the Disabled Persons Railcard if you:

• receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP)

• receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Child Disability Payment (CDP) at either:

  • the higher or lower rate for the mobility component, or

  • the higher or middle rate for the care component

• have a visual impairment

• have a hearing impairment

• have epilepsy

• receive Attendance Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP)

• receive War Pensioner's Mobility Supplement

• receive War or Service Disablement Pension for 80% or more disability

• buy or lease a vehicle through the Motability scheme

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If you’re nearing the end of life (for example, due to a life-limiting illness) you might be able to get certain benefits more quickly and at a higher rate.

This is sometimes called ‘special rules for end of life’.

You will need the support of your GP, Oncologist, Hospice or Medical Specialist to help you complete an SR1 form, you only need one form even if you’re applying for more than one benefit.

Here is a list of some of the help and support available, but please seek further advice from some of these wonderful charitable organisation;

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Gov.uk - Get benefits if you are nearing the end of life

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Marie Curie - What benefits can I claim when I'm living with a terminal illness?

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Macmillan - Bills and housing costs

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Macmillan - Sorting out practical and financial affairs, including Wills, Power of Attorney and Medical Directives

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Several UK councils now offer full council tax exemptions for residents with a terminal illness (typically defined as having less than 12 months to live, supported by an SR1 form) to ease financial pressure. Following campaigns by Marie Curie, key councils offering this support as of March 2026 include: 

• Manchester City Council (First to implement in 2025).

• Barnsley Council.

• Hull City Council.

• Milton Keynes City Council.

• Cheshire West and Chester Council (Effective 1 April 2026).

• Gateshead Council.

• Bristol City Council (via "Section 13A" discretionary awards).

• Salford and Preston (Commitments made).

• Newcastle, Wakefield, Wirral, Pendle, Newark and Sherwood, South Gloucestershire, Blackburn with Darwen, Liverpool, and Burnley (Passed motions to introduce support).

Mortgage Insurance - Please check if you are entitled to financial support or even terminal illness cover, which will hopefully pay off any existing mortgage. Having looked at my own Legal & General policy, with a terminal diagnosis my policy, as an example, would cover my remaining mortgage. As per the SR1 requirements, you will need a note from your consultant that you are expected to survive for less than 12 months.

Our friends at Maggie's have lots of information regarding the support and benefits you may be entitled to, following your cancer diagnosis.