When illness affects your finances, what help is available?

A sudden illness or long-term health condition can impact your wellbeing and financial stability.

Whether it’s difficulty working, increased medical costs, or unexpected expenses, knowing where to turn for support can make a significant difference.

Financial help is available if illness affects your income or increases your outgoings.

Please note that this information is correct at time of publication (April 2025). Regulations can change. Claiming certain benefits or allowances may have an impact on other entitlements. You should always seek advice before making any claim.

If you are unable to work due to illness

Statutory Sick Pay (SSP)

If you’re employed and too ill to work, you may be entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Some employers may also offer enhanced sick pay, so check your employment contract or speak with your HR department.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

If your illness prevents you from working and you don’t qualify for SSP, or SSP has ended, you may be able to claim Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). This is designed for people who have a health condition or disability that affects their ability to work.

• New Style ESA – this is based on your National Insurance contributions, and can be claimed alongside Universal Credit.
• Income-related ESA – this has been replaced by Universal Credit for most new applicants.

Find out more here.

Universal Credit (UC) – health-related element

If you have a long-term illness or disability and need financial support, Universal Credit may provide additional payments after a work capability assessment. This applies to those unable to work or those who can only work with support.

To be eligible for the UC health element you will need to be getting the UC standard allowance and any element of PIP. You can find out more about this element here.

Help with medical costs

NHS prescriptions and healthcare costs

If you’re on a low income or receiving certain benefits, you may be eligible for:

• Free NHS prescriptions (in England)
• Help with NHS dental treatment, eye tests, and glasses/contact lenses
• Travel costs to and from hospital appointments

To check eligibility, apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS) or use a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) if you need multiple prescriptions regularly.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) & Attendance Allowance

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – For people aged 16 to State Pension age with a long-term illness or disability affecting daily activities or mobility.
• Attendance Allowance – For people over State Pension age who need help due to illness or disability.

These benefits are not means-tested, meaning, in most cases, your income won’t affect eligibility.

Support for carers

If you’re caring for someone with an illness, financial help is also available:

• Carer’s allowance – if you care for someone for at least 35 hours per week.
• Carer’s credit – helps protect your National Insurance record.
• Support from local councils – you can request a Carer’s Assessment for additional assistance.

Managing household bills during illness

Help with energy bills

If you’re struggling with energy costs due to illness you may be eligible for:

• Priority Services Register (PSR) – free support from your energy provider for those with health conditions. Join the register here.
• Cold Weather Payment – if temperatures drop to freezing for seven consecutive days, you may receive £25 per week (2025 rates) if you are eligible. Find out more.
• Warm Home Discount – if you’re on a low income or receive certain benefits, you might qualify for the Warm Home Discount, which provides £150 (in 2025) off your electricity bill.
• Council Tax Reduction (CTR) – if your income has dropped due to illness, your local council may reduce your council tax bill. Apply through your local council.
• Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) – if Housing Benefit or Universal Credit doesn’t cover your full rent, your local council may provide extra help through Discretionary Housing Payments. To apply for Discretionary Housing Payment, you need to contact your local council.

Debt support and financial advice

If illness has led to debt problems, help is available:

• Breathing Space Scheme – this scheme provides 60 days of protection from creditor action while you seek debt advice. Although you will still have to make your debt repayments during this period, creditors cannot take enforcement actions against you or add interest or charges to your debt during this time. To apply for the ‘Breathing Space’ scheme, you will need to talk to a debt adviser. They will submit an application on your behalf if it’s the right thing to do. You can find a free debt advisor on the MoneyHelper website.
• StepChange – free debt advice and support for managing payments tailored to your situation.
• National Debtline – free and confidential debt advice tailored to your situation.
• Local council assistance – some councils offer emergency financial help for essential living costs. Visit your local council website for more information.

Charities & organisations offering support

Many charities offer financial aid or practical support for those affected by illness:

• Macmillan Cancer Support – may provide loans and grants for cancer patients facing financial hardship. Discover more here.
• Citizens Advice – provides free advice and guidance on financial, employment, and benefits issues.
• Turn2Us – helps identify grants and benefits you may be entitled to.

Dealing with illness is tough, but financial worries shouldn’t make it harder. Whether through government benefits, local councils, or charities, support is available. If you’re struggling, seek help early to explore your options and secure the assistance you need.