Government Benefits for Families
When your child is diagnosed with cancer, life changes instantly. Hospital stays, appointments, reduced working hours, extra travel costs and emotional pressure all add up quickly. Government benefits are there to help ease some of that financial strain but understanding the system, knowing what you’re entitled to, and completing long forms can feel overwhelming.
What Benefits Might You Be Entitled To?
Families caring for a child or young person with cancer may qualify for a range of government benefits and financial support, including:
What Benefits Might You Be Entitled To?
Families caring for a child or young person with cancer may qualify for a range of government benefits and financial support, including:
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
For children under 16 who need extra care or mobility support due to their treatment or condition.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
For young people aged 16 and over who need help with daily living or mobility.
We can guide young people and parents through the transition from DLA to PIP, as the process can feel daunting.
Carer’s Allowance
For parents or guardians who spend significant time caring for a child or young person.
Universal Credit Adjustments
Families may receive additional elements if their child has higher care needs or if work circumstances change during treatment.
Blue Badge Scheme
Help with parking and mobility for children and young people whose treatment affects their ability to walk or move around safely.
NHS Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme
Support for travel costs to hospital appointments for eligible families.
Employment Rights & Support for Parents
Many parents need to reduce their hours or take time away from work while their child goes through treatment. You may have more protections than you think.
Unpaid Parental Leave
Parents can take up to 18 weeks of unpaid leave per child up to their 18th birthday. This can be taken flexibly, depending on your employer.
Time Off for Dependants
You have the right to take short-term time off to deal with emergencies related to your child’s health or care.
Flexible Working Requests
You can apply to change your working hours, pattern, or location to better support your child during treatment.
Protection from Losing Your Job
You’re legally protected from unfair treatment or dismissal related to your parental responsibilities.
If you are worried about job security while caring for your child, we can help direct you to specialist advice.
How Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund Can Help
Navigating financial support during treatment can feel overwhelming, especially when your focus is on your child. Our team is here to make everything simpler, clearer, and more manageable.
We provide:
- Help understanding what benefits you could claim
- Support with completing applications, including DLA, PIP, Carer’s Allowance, and others
- Checks on your forms to ensure they reflect your child’s medical needs clearly
- Guidance on evidence, letters, and supporting documents
- Signposting to other organisations offering grants, legal rights advice, and financial support
- Direct links to official government guidance so you always have the latest information
Our goal is to reduce stress and make sure families receive all the support they’re entitled to during their child’s cancer journey.
Visit Our Information Hub
For direct links to government benefit pages, resources, and guidance, visit our Information Hub:
You’ll find up-to-date advice, additional support services, and practical tools for families going through treatment.
How we help
We are here to help children and their families through childhood cancer with our six pillars of support. Find out how we can help and support your family below.
We’re Here for Your Family
Whether you’re unsure where to begin or need help finishing an application, our team is here to guide and support you. No family should face these challenges alone.
If you’d like one-to-one support, please contact us through our website or speak to your Lennox CCF Family Support Worker.