any help with costs involved with cancer care?

shamac

My father in law has a form of hodgkins lymphoma and is on round 2 of chemo. Both he and his wife are in early 70's and retired, can they get any help with costs of travel-taxis etc, car parking at the hospital? been having treatment over a year-could it be backdated? thank you

Indie_Kid

What benefits do they receive?

shamac

He has a private pension, she gets a council pension plus normal state pension. None of large amounts but don't know figures i'm afraid-they don't like talking money but know they are struggling.

Indie_Kid

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/Illorinjured/DG_10018959 gives some information about travel costs.

kingfisherblue

When my son was in hospital (not for cancer, it was following surgery when he was a newborn), we were able to get a special pass so that we didn't pay any parking. I had to apply via the ward sister.

If your FIL has care needs, he could claim Attendance Allowance. The forms are long and there is often quite a long wait for a decision (about twelve weeks), but if he qualifies, it will help with costs. You can get help filling in the forms (which can seem quite intrusive) from CAB, welfare rights at your local council, or from cancer charities.