Help with heating costs after major cancer surgery

sky_rat

I am writing this on behalf of my parents who are retired.

My father has just had major surgery to have a large tumour removed and may also need chemo.

He is now at home recovering, but they are worrying because they can't afford to keep the heating on.

Is there any support with heating costs for someone recovering from cancer ?

I am worried it will be detrimental to his recovery if they cannot afford to have the heating on.

PS.  They are not elegible for pension credits

Flugelhorn

try Macmillan https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/impacts-of-cancer/benefits-and-financial-support/managing-energy-and-heating-costs#:~:text=Some charities, including Macmillan, give,on 0808 808 00 00.

Rodders53

Is he claiming all the benefits they are entitled to?  Possible that he may qualify for Attendance Allowance?

Charities may be able to help?  https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/stories-and-media/blogs/keeping-warm-without-turning-the-heating-on

Hospital cancer nurse specialist may be able to help/offer advice as well.

Ensure they are registered with their energy supplier(s) as 'vulnerable' and the energy companies may offer some support schemes as well?
e.g. my supplier https://www.eonnext.com/policies/extra-help

Grumpy_chap

Some local authorities have schemes in place to provide a form of "winter fuel allowance" for those that are just above the PC threshold.
https://www.richmond.gov.uk/news/news_october_2024/winter_fuel_support_provided_to_pensioners

Has the OP ascertained that his parents are claiming all they are entitled to and have the OP's parents shared their full financial status with the OP?  It is not unheard of that elderly people have more assets / income than they let on, but are also very confidential about their financial situation so cannot be properly advised by those close to them.

HillStreetBlues

Has anyone checked their finances? as the worry could be needless and  fuelled by sensationalist reporting.

born_again

sky_rat said:

I am writing this on behalf of my parents who are retired.

My father has just had major surgery to have a large tumour removed and may also need chemo.

He is now at home recovering, but they are worrying because they can't afford to keep the heating on.

Is there any support with heating costs for someone recovering from cancer ?

I am worried it will be detrimental to his recovery if they cannot afford to have the heating on.

PS.  They are not elegible for pension credits

Speak to their energy supplier, many have their own schemes to help people.

End of the day, make sure that they do keep the heat on. Forget about the cost over winter, that can be clawed back in the warmer months..

Muttleythefrog

Agree with all above advice.... some great pointers of those to speak to.. but I think it important to establish the reality of their finances and whether they're getting what they're entitled to cancer surgery aside. Older generations in particular can be quite conservative/secretive about finances and as someone points to the over-prominence of a minor government policy has caused panic and excessive concern for many including in my experience people who in no way will have issues paying bills.

Ultimately it is important that the conditions are right for his recovery and any further treatments (chemo may bring additional requirements to keep warm including fingers and feet that can face issues) and so they must use heating as needed - bills can ultimately be resolved... human health is far more precarious. 

My sympathies with them.. I'm about to face the slightly unexpected barrage of surgery, chemo, radio no doubt for advanced cancer recently detected... I haven't had chance to tell any friends yet. Fortunately I live in a modern flat where it is extremely cheap to heat - we still have the window open today in mid November but I imagine the same is not true for your parents.

I have ironically spent significant time in recent months in the company of someone with terminal colorectal cancer (hoping I didn't have same!) and they really rate the support they've had from MacMillan in terms of getting help they can be entitled to.

Good luck assisting them.

Rubyroobs

If on a low income then they could look at applying for a macmillan grant which is a one off payment. It is means tested to some extent though.

Newly_retired

If just above Pension Credit threshold they may find they are entitled to support from the Household Support Fund. This is government money administered by local authorities  so each LA has their own means of access.

Keep_pedalling

From a practical point of view, to help keep costs down and keep them both nice and toasty buy them both a heated throw. 

born_again

Keep_pedalling said:

From a practical point of view, to help keep costs down and keep them both nice and toasty buy them both a heated throw. 

These are often supplied by energy co's for free. Octopus do, as we got one for Mrs. 👍