Coping with financial difficulties

• If you believe you are entitled to a social welfare payment, make contact with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection as soon as possible. The Department has a useful website www.mywelfare.ie, where you can learn more and apply for many benefits.
   
• The Citizens Information website has easy-to-follow information on applying for social welfare payments and medical cards. You can also ask a medical social worker or look at our Benefits Hub.

They might be more willing to help if they know you are under financial pressure due to your cancer diagnosis or treatment. There’s no need to feel embarrassed – it’s very common for people with cancer to have money worries.

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) can help if you find yourself in serious financial trouble and need help with budgeting and sorting out your finances. MABS can look at your situation, work out your budget, help you to deal with your debts and manage your payments. The service is free and confidential. Call the MABS Helpline 0761 07 2000 for information. 

It can be helpful to have someone to act for you at this difficult time. An advocate is someone who can speak on your behalf, for example, a Citizens Information representative or a social worker based in a hospital or in the community. They can help you to access and communicate with services and institutions.

• You may have to budget. For example, to cut back on food and clothes shopping or look for cheaper alternatives. You might also consider cutting back on energy costs, such as by turning off the heat for a few hours, and wearing more clothes. You may have to cut down on extras like holidays and leisure activities. If you need help, the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) can look at your situation, work out your budget, help you to deal with your debts and manage your payments. The service is free and confidential. 
• If you’re finding it hard to pay back loans or your mortgage, let the lender know. It may be possible to reduce monthly payments or have a short break from mortgage payments. Seek advice from MABS on your options before speaking to your lender.

Don’t feel embarrassed to accept help from family and friends, neighbours and work colleagues. This may include help with transport to and from hospital, with childcare, grocery shopping, cooking, housework, or providing accommodation if you need to travel a long distance for your treatment. Accepting support means your family and friends can feel useful at a difficult time and can make things easier on you financially. 

Most people diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatment need to make adjustments to their new situation. These can include using some or all of your savings (if you have any), borrowing from friends, family and/or employers, or from banks or credit unions. But remember that it can be hard to repay loans. Avoid the services of moneylenders and payday loan companies, as their interest rates are extremely high and you will pay back a huge amount of interest on top of the amount you borrowed.

• People often struggle on the money they are given through the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. This includes the Illness Benefit, Invalidity Pension or Disability Allowance.
• If you are self-employed, it can be very difficult to qualify for any State support, especially if you cannot work. More than likely you will apply to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection for emergency funding or Supplementary Welfare Allowance.
• Our Benefits Hub  has more information on financial support that you may be entitled to.

It might feel strange or uncomfortable to ask for help from a charity. It’s worth remembering, though, that lots of people with cancer have money worries, and the charities are there to help you. Charities helping people with cancer and their families usually help with small crisis situations, rather than larger ongoing financial problems.