What financial support can I get after my child has been diagnosed with neuroblastoma?

A neuroblastoma diagnosis can bring extra financial pressures for families. This may be due to travel to hospital appointments, time away from work, changes to childcare, or increased household costs. Support is available from Solving Kids’ Cancer UK, other charities and government schemes.

Ways we can support you

• Wellbeing grants:We offer grants to support your child or young person's physical or emotional wellbeing.
• Family Support Bags: These contain practical and comfort items to support families during treatment and hospital stays. 
• Guidance and signposting: Our Family Support Team can help you understand what financial support you may be entitled to and signpost you to organisations, grants and benefits.  

Other organisations offering financial support 

Several UK charities and organisations provide grants or assistance, including: 

• The Isabel Baker Foundation - Provide food vouchers during treatment 

• The Cindy Apple Yard Foundation - Provide grants for accommodation, travel, and time off work

• Evie’s Gift - Provide accommodation and supports costs near hospital

• Macmillan - Make one-off payments for extra costs

• Cost of Cancer - Help with household bills

• The Henry Allen Trust - Provide grants for transport and accommodation

• The Hospital Saturday Fund - Provide support for equipment, treatment, and home adaptations

• Family Fund - Support families on low incomes with a child with a long-term illness or disability

• It’s Never You - Provides practical financial support to families facing serious childhood illness who are currently inpatients staying in hospital.
  

Government benefit schemes 

Families may be entitled to a range of government benefits from diagnosis onwards, depending on their child’s care needs and the impact on work, income and daily life. 

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – for children under 16 

Many children with neuroblastoma qualify for DLA due to care needs, mobility challenges or treatment‑related effects. DLA: 

• is not means‑tested 
• helps with everyday living costs 
• does not affect most other benefits 

Young Lives vs Cancer offers a helpful guide on how to apply. 

Personal Independence Payment – for young people aged 16+ 

Young people aged 16 and over may be eligible for PIP if they need additional support because of their health. PIP: 

• replaces DLA for over‑16s 
• helps with daily living and mobility needs 

Read more about PIP and how to apply in the Factsheet below, produced by Young Lives vs Cancer.

Young Lives vs Cancer PIP Factsheet

Carer’s Allowance – for parents caring for a child receiving DLA or PIP 

You may be eligible if: 

• your child receives Middle or Higher Rate Care (DLA) or PIP Daily Living, and 
• you care for them for 35 hours or more per week 

Care can include help with personal care, attending appointments, or daily tasks. 

Read more about the Carer’s Allowance scheme on the government website. 

Universal Credit – support with income and housing 

If your income is low or reduced because of caring responsibilities, Universal Credit may provide support. 

If your child gets DLA or PIP, you may also receive the disabled child element. 

Read more about Universal Credit on the Government website. 

Practical tips for managing finances during treatment 

Increasing income 

• Check your benefit entitlements  
• Contact the Macmillan Support Line: 0808 808 00 00 
• Use Turn2Us to search for grants 
• Claim tax relief for job expenses e.g., working from home  

Reducing outgoings 

• Create a simple household budget 
• Use price comparison tools  
• Explore discounts, offers and cashback platforms e.g., TopCashback 
• Consider a prescription prepayment certificate to save on medication costs 
• Turn off appliances at the plug to save electricity 
• Reduce energy use where possible e.g., boiling only what you need 

Travel and parking 

• Ask your treating hospital about free / discounted parking 
• Check Blue Badge eligibility 
• Use petrol-price comparison apps 

Food 

• Plan meals to reduce costs  
• Batch cook and freeze meals  
• Use apps like Too Good to Go for discounted food 
• Ask your hospital team about meal voucher schemes  
• Check your council website for foodbanks or community supermarkets 

Other support 

• Contact your local council’s community team for advice and support 
• Look for warm spaces or free community activities  
• Register with your energy and water providers’ Priority Services Register 
• Ask your broadband and phone providers about social tariffs if you’re on a low income, or read Offcom's guide on social tarrifs for utilities to find out more.

Our Family Support Team are here to help if you need support or have questions about finances.

Page last updated: July 28, 2026