If you take time off work during your treatment, financial help might be available.
sick pay
If you’re ill and can’t work for more than a few days, ask your doctor for a medical certificate to cover the time of your illness or the time that you’re in hospital. You’ll need this if you need to claim a benefit.
If you pay national insurance, you can get Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you’re off sick for more than 4 days, up to 28 weeks or until you go back to work or resign. Occupational sick pay entitles you to have full or part pay from your job. This will be paid as a top up to the SSP if you’re entitled to it. You’ll find this information in your work contract, staff handbook or from your human resources department. After the 28 weeks, you would need to claim Incapacity Benefit.
other benefits
You may also be entitled to claim other benefits – such as Disability Living Allowance - to help you with other costs. If you’re not sure what benefits you’re entitled to, see the Directgov website or talk to the social workers at your hospital. If you’ve had disability equipment put in your home, you might be entitled to a reduction in your Council Tax. Ask your local authority for details about this.
Some organisations provide grants to help young people cover some of their expenses during treatment. Your hospital based social worker can give you useful information about these and can also make applications for you.
