Cancer patients miss out on £6m

MORE than £6 million in disability benefits is going unclaimed by people diagnosed with terminal cancer in the North-West.

New research by Macmillan Cancer Support shows that patients are dying without receiving either Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Attendance Allowance (AA) — benefits to which they are automatically entitled.

Low take-up is due to people not knowing they are eligible, the perceived stigma of claiming state benefits and the long and confusing claiming process.

More than £90 million is going unclaimed across the country and millions more is going unclaimed by people with cancer who do not have a terminal diagnosis.

By not claiming DLA or AA, people are also missing out on linked benefits such as Carers’ Allowance.

To help cancer patients and carers find out what benefits they may be entitled to, Macmillan has launched an easy-to-use online program called Benefits Made Clear.

The interactive guide, which is the first provided by a charity, can be found at www.macmillan.org.uk/benefitsmadeclear .

Macmillan also provides financial information via a national helpline, local benefits advisers and a range of publications.

Maureen Rutter, director for Macmillan Cancer Support in the North-West, said: “It’s tragic that cancer patients are struggling to make ends meet when there’s money available.

“Macmillan can help people find their way through the notoriously complicated benefits system so we urge people to go online or speak to a benefits adviser.”