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Benefits and finances

Welfare benefits support for brain tumour patients

A brain tumour diagnosis can affect income, employment and financial stability. The benefits system can feel complicated and overwhelming — especially when you are already dealing with treatment and recovery.

Our specialist Welfare Benefits Support Professional provides free, personalised guidance to help you understand what you may be entitled to and how to apply.

We support patients and families across England, Wales and Scotland.

Many people tell us this is one of the most stressful parts of a diagnosis — you don’t have to work it out alone.

Meet Vicki, our Welfare Benefits Support Professional

Vicki specialises in welfare rights for people affected by brain tumours. She understands the specific challenges that can arise following diagnosis and treatment and works one-to-one with patients and families to ensure they access the support they are entitled to.

I understand the struggles people can face when trying to access the benefits system and applying for the support available. I have a personal commitment to ensuring people receive everything they are entitled to.
Vicki Size-Baillie – Welfare Benefits Support Professional

Contact us
Vicki Size-Baillie

Supported by RWK Goodman

RWK Goodman logo

Our specialist Welfare Benefits Support Professional role is funded by legal firm RWK Goodman. Their support enables us to provide free, expert benefits guidance to brain tumour patients and families across England, Wales and Scotland.

Learn about our partnership

The financial impact is often hidden

A brain tumour can affect income, work, travel and day-to-day costs, and these pressures are often unseen by others. Many people tell us it can feel like they are expected to cope while quietly managing forms, appointments and financial uncertainty.

This March, we’re sharing real experiences that highlight the hidden impact of brain tumours, including the practical realities that come with them. If you’re worried about benefits, finances or what you might be entitled to, support is available. Explore Brain Tumour Awareness Month and see the support available at any stage.

Explore Brain Tumour Awareness Month
Ali smile at the camera with a quote over the image talking about what the family needed following her mother's brain tumour diagnosis

Benefits and financial support we can help with

Our Welfare Benefits Support Professional can help you to:

  • Assess which benefits you may be entitled to, whether you are a patient, family member or supporting someone with a brain tumour
  • Guide you through benefit applications, including explaining the process, completing forms and gathering supporting medical evidence
  • Support you to challenge a benefits decision through a Mandatory Reconsideration request
  • Help you prepare for Tribunal appeals, including drafting submissions and offering representation where appropriate
  • Provide specialist advice and written submissions for Upper Tribunal appeals

Benefits and financial support

You may be entitled to financial support following a brain tumour diagnosis. Benefits systems can feel complex and overwhelming, particularly when you are managing treatment or recovery. Our team can help you understand what support may be available and where to start.

Some commonly accessed benefits include:

Applications can take time to process, so seeking advice early can help ensure you receive the support you are entitled to.


Trusted organisations offering additional financial guidance

Brain Tumour Support is unable to provide advice on housing, debt, pensions or legal matters, but the organisations below can offer trusted guidance:

Registering a Lasting Power of Attorney allows someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if needed. Applications can take up to 20 weeks to complete.

Write your Will online — free, simple and done from home

Making a Will, like registering a Lasting Power of Attorney, is one of the most important practical steps you can take to protect the people you care about.

We've partnered with Legal for Life to offer a completely free online Will writing service, available to anyone in our community. No solicitor appointments, no fees — just a straightforward guided process you can complete in your own time.

It's one less thing to worry about.

Write your Will online — it's free
A close up of a womans hands holding pen signing a legal document

Prescription costs

People receiving treatment for cancer may be eligible for free prescriptions through a Medical Exemption (MedEx) certificate. Ask your GP or hospital team for an application form.

For full eligibility details, visit the NHS prescription charges guidance.


Local authority and community support

If your diagnosis affects daily living, your local council may be able to provide home adaptations, care support or practical assistance. Contact your local adult social care services
to explore available support.


Travel and community assistance

Hospital transport services may be available if you are unable to travel independently. Speak with your hospital outpatient team for advice.

Some areas also offer community transport schemes such as Dial-A-Ride or volunteer services that can assist with shopping, social visits or everyday tasks.


Support from hospices

Hospices can provide practical advice, emotional support and home visits for people living with serious illness, not only at end of life. Many offer valuable community-based support for patients and families.

Download benefits guides

Download our clear, easy-to-follow guides to help you understand key benefits and financial support available following a brain tumour diagnosis.

If you need more detailed information, explore our wider range of leaflets and resources on our booklets and resources page. If you’re unsure which guide applies to you, our Support Team can help you decide.

Universal Credit guide

Understand eligibility, applications and what to expect.

Download Universal Credit guide

Employment and Support Allowance guide

Learn how ESA works and how to apply with confidence.

Download ESA guide

Blue Badge guide

Understand eligibility and how to apply for accessible parking support.

Download Blue Badge guide

Need help with benefits or finances?

Our Welfare Benefits Support Professional, Vicki Size-Baillie, provides free, one-to-one guidance for brain tumour patients and families.

01454 422 701 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm)

Email Support Services (please mention Vicki when getting in touch)

We’re closed on weekends and bank holidays. If it’s outside office hours, or you’d prefer to write to us, you can complete our support contact form at any time.

You can also learn more about Vicki and her specialist welfare benefits support.

Husband and wife looking towards the camera smiling

Jane and Bill’s story

Jane’s husband Bill was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and our team was able to support them both through one of the most difficult periods of their lives. Jane kindly shared their story with us.

Read Jane and Bill’s story

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