Resources for United Kingdom

• Samaritans116 123

  available around the clock (24/7)

  Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: samaritans.org

  Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14

• NHS 111111

  available around the clock (24/7)

  Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: nhs.uk

  Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14

Numbers come from first-party sources. Confirm them if the situation is critical.

• Macmillan Cancer Support0808 808 00 00

  Free support: information, emotional and financial help.

  7 days a week, 8am–8pm

  Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: macmillan.org.uk

  Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14

• Maggie's0300 123 1801

  Practical and emotional support, at Maggie's centres and online.

  Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: maggies.org

  Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14

• Cancer Research UK — nurses0808 800 4040

  Specialist nurses answer questions about cancer for UK residents.

  Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm

  Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: forms.cancerresearchuk.org

  Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14

Hours are shown in the service's local time unless another timezone is stated.

Source checked internally. External specialist review is still pending. We curate this list from official sources. Check the details on the organisation's website.

For information only, not legal advice. Rules change — check the official source or an adviser.

• Statutory Sick Pay while off work with cancer

  Jurisdiction: United Kingdom

  Employees too ill to work receive Statutory Sick Pay from their employer for up to 28 weeks, at a flat weekly rate set by the government each year. Tell your employer you are sick by their deadline and provide a fit note from your doctor if they ask for one.

  Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: gov.uk

  Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14

• Cancer counts as a disability from day of diagnosis

  Jurisdiction: Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales)

  Under the Equality Act 2010 you automatically meet the legal definition of disability from the day you are diagnosed with cancer, and this protection lasts for life. There is nothing to register — telling your employer or a service provider triggers their legal duties not to discriminate and to support you. The Equality Act does not apply in Northern Ireland.

  Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: gov.uk

  Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14

• Protection at work — Northern Ireland

  Jurisdiction: Northern Ireland

  Northern Ireland has separate disability-discrimination law. Cancer is a qualifying disability from the point a person develops it; the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland can advise on employment or service discrimination.

  Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: nidirect.gov.uk

  Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14

• PIP and other benefits when illness limits life or work

  Jurisdiction: United Kingdom

  Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps with extra costs if cancer or its treatment makes daily tasks or getting around difficult — it is not means-tested, so you can get it while working or with savings. Call the DWP's PIP new claims line to start a claim; if you cannot work, also check New Style ESA and Universal Credit on GOV.UK.

  Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: gov.uk

  Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14

• Free NHS prescriptions with a medical exemption certificate

  Jurisdiction: England

  In England, people undergoing treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer, or the effects of cancer treatment get all NHS prescriptions free — not only cancer medicines — with a medical exemption certificate. Ask your GP or hospital doctor to complete form FP92A; the certificate arrives within about 10 working days and lasts 5 years, renewable if still eligible.

  Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: faq.nhsbsa.nhs.uk

  Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14

• Refunds for travel to NHS treatment (HTCS)

  Jurisdiction: United Kingdom

  The Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme refunds reasonable travel costs — public transport fares, fuel mileage, and in some cases parking or approved taxis — for NHS specialist appointments, if you receive a qualifying benefit or hold an NHS Low Income Scheme certificate (HC2/HC3). Claim on the day at the hospital's cashiers or general office with receipts and your appointment letter, or post form HC5(T) within 3 months.

  Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: nhs.uk

  Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14

• Reasonable adjustments and job protection at work

  Jurisdiction: United Kingdom

  Because cancer legally counts as a disability, your employer must make reasonable adjustments so you are not substantially disadvantaged — for example a phased return to work, flexible or part-time hours, changed duties or equipment — and cannot dismiss or treat you unfairly because of cancer. Ask your employer or HR in writing for the specific adjustments you need.

  Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: gov.uk

  Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14

• Carer's Allowance and support for your caregiver

  Jurisdiction: United Kingdom

  Someone who looks after you for at least 35 hours a week can claim Carer's Allowance, a weekly government payment, if you receive a qualifying disability benefit such as the PIP daily living part and their earnings are under the set limit — they apply online at GOV.UK. Carers giving 20+ hours a week can protect their State Pension with Carer's Credit, and employed carers can request flexible working from day one.

  Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: gov.uk

  Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14

• Free or subsidized wigs on the NHS

  Jurisdiction: United Kingdom

  If treatment causes hair loss, NHS wigs and fabric supports are free for hospital inpatients, under-16s, 16-18s in full-time education and people on qualifying benefits, with partial help under the NHS Low Income Scheme (HC2/HC3 certificates). Tell the person fitting your wig that you are entitled to it free and show proof, or pay and claim a refund with form HC5(W).

  Source checked on 2026-07-14. Source: nhs.uk

  Next scheduled review: 2026-10-14

Source checked internally. External specialist review is still pending.