Grants for people affected by terminal illness
If you're affected by a terminal illness, you may be able to apply for a grant. Grants can help with things like everyday household costs, making changes around the home, and taking a holiday.
On this page:
What are grants?
Grants are sums of money which do not have to be repaid. Some charities and organisations provide grants for people living with a terminal illness or a disability. Marie Curie does not provide these grants.
Some grants are counted as income and may affect your benefits, if you claim any. If you have any questions, it might help to speak to a benefits adviser.
Where can I find a grant?
Grants websites
- Use a grants search tool – Turn2us has a free search tool you can use to look for grants based on your circumstances.
- Search by illness or type of grant – Disability Grants has lists of local and national grants for different illnesses, or categories such as holiday grants and equipment grants.
Local council and government grants
Some governments and local councils have Local Welfare Schemes for people on a low income or in a crisis situation. What is available depends on where you live:
- England: contact your local council.
- Wales: contact the Discretionary Assistance Fund.
- Scotland: contact your local council about the Scottish Welfare Fund.
- Northern Ireland: contact the Finance Support Service.
You could also ask your GP, hospital doctor or nurse if they could refer you to a hospital social worker or a community social worker. If a social worker is available, they can help assess your financial situation. They may advise you on where to go for grants, or which grants you might qualify for.
What grants are available?
To find all the different types of grants available to you, we suggest using the websites above. We have listed some types of grants that people commonly search for below.
Grants for specific conditions
- Macmillan Cancer Support offer one-off grants to people living with cancer.
- The MND Association and MND Scotland offer grants to people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and their unpaid carers. They have different types of grants available.
- MS Research and Relief Fund offer grants to people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and their unpaid carers.
- Kidney Care UK offer grants to people affected by kidney disease.
Holiday grants
- The 3H Foundation offer holiday grants for people with a disability and holiday grants for carers (respite breaks).
- The Respite Association provide free breaks for carers.
- The Ogilvie Charities provide funding for holidays for carers.
Home improvement grants
- Disabled Facilities Grants are available from local councils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- Local councils in Scotland provide grants for home adaptations, to people with a disability or problems getting around.
- Disability Grants have information about the different gardening grants available.
Other grants for specific circumstances
- Carers Trust Network Partners offer grants to unpaid carers.
- Glasspool Charity Trust offer small grants to individuals, couples and families, for household items and essential clothing.
There are also some energy grants and payments to help with energy bills. Find out what help you could get with energy bills.
How do I apply for a grant?
Every organisation has a different application process – you may need to apply online, send an application form by post, or make phone calls.
Some organisations have people that can help you apply for their grants, or answer questions about the application process. Some charities will let someone apply on your behalf – for example somebody looking after you or a family member. Your district nurse or social workers at a hospice may also be able to apply for you.
Some charities will expect you to have applied for benefits or local council help first. So it can help to make sure you're receiving any benefits you're entitled to, before applying. Find out more about the benefits you might be able to claim.
If your application is successful, the time it takes to receive the grant can vary. It depends which grant you're applying for.
How much will I get?
The size of grants varies between organisations. With some grants, the amount you receive depends on your income, savings or living situation Other grants will just include a set amount. You should check the eligibility information to be sure – you can find eligibility information on the grant website.
Where can I get more help?
Check with the organisation of the grant you're applying for if they can offer you any help or advice.
Some grants are counted as income and could affect your benefits, if you claim any. So it's important you have the right information and advice. Here are some organisations that can provide further support:
- Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309 provides general information about benefits and finances.
- Citizens Advice has trained advisers you can speak to and provides information on your rights, including benefits, grants, housing, employment, debt, consumer and legal issues. Search the site for your nearest bureau in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- Turn2us has a search function to find benefits advisers in your area, and provides people with financial support and information on benefits and grants.
- Macmillan Cancer Support has welfare rights advisers you can speak to, and provides practical, medical and financial support for people affected by cancer.
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About this information
This information is not intended to replace any advice from health or social care professionals. We suggest that you consult with a qualified professional about your individual circumstances. Read more about how our information is created and how it's used.
