Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment she has made of whether the benefits system is providing adequate financial support for young cancer patients and their families.

Children and young people with serious or critical illnesses such as cancer are able to apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) if they are aged under 16 (or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) if aged 16 and above).

DLA and PIP are both tax free allowances designed to contribute to the extra costs incurred as a result of long-term health conditions and/or disabilities. Children and young people in receipt of DLA or PIP can receive up to £145.35 a week. Entitlement to DLA and PIP depends on the effects that severe disability has on a person’s life and not on a particular disability or diagnosis. This is because people living with the same illnesses or disabilities may not necessarily have the same care or mobility needs.

Special considerations are made for children and adults who are terminally ill. Our arrangements recognise the particular difficulties faced by people who have only a short time to live. Claims are ‘fast-tracked’ and given immediate priority in the system and will be actioned as soon as they are received which is usually on the same day. The highest rate of the care component of DLA and enhanced rate of daily living component of PIP are awarded without a qualifying period. Legislation defines a person as terminally ill if ‘he suffers from a progressive disease and his death can reasonably be expected within six months’.

People over the age of 16 who are unable to work due to an illness or disability can claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) which has both a contributory strand accessible via a National Insurance contribution test and an income-related strand accessible via an income test. For cancer sufferers, a light touch evidence gathering process exists, to help determine eligibility. There is also a presumption that claimants receiving or recovering from cancer treatment will be placed in the Support Group which could entitle them to up to £110.75 per week, subject to suitable evidence from a healthcare professional such as a GP or oncologist.

Carers may also be able to qualify for Carer’s Allowance, which is currently £64.60 a week if they meet the eligibility criteria.