Macmillan Welfare Benefits Service
What is the service and who can access it?
Citizens Advice Dudley and Wolverhampton is working in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support and Citizens Advice Coventry to provide Welfare Benefits Advice and Casework support for people affected by cancer across Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall.
A cancer diagnosis can have a significant financial impact on individuals and families. Many people experience a loss of income, increased household costs, or changes to employment while undergoing treatment or recovery. Our caseworkers are here to help reduce financial hardship by ensuring people receive the benefits and support they are entitled to.
Our caseworkers can assist cancer patients with:
• Benefit entitlement checks and income maximisation
• Help with completing benefit application forms
• Support with mandatory reconsiderations and appeals
• Liaison with the Department for Work and Pensions and other agencies
• Applications for charitable support
• Advice tailored to individual circumstances and vulnerabilities
• Signposting and referrals to other support services where appropriate
The service is available to people affected by cancer who live in:
• Dudley Borough
• Sandwell
• Walsall
• Leicestershire
All referrals are received through a central triage system managed as part of the regional Macmillan Welfare Benefits Service. Referrals are allocated based on client need, complexity, and caseworker availability to ensure people receive the right support as quickly as possible.
How can this service be accessed?
Referrals can be made by:
• Individuals affected by cancer
• Family members or carers
• Clinical Nurse Specialists
• Oncologists
• Other healthcare professionals involved in cancer care
• General Practitioners (GPs)