Prolonged illness can certainly put a strain on finances. For cancer patients and their carers there are two main sources of help.

The first of these comes from the government, through the Benefits Agency. Incapacity Benefit has replaced Invalidity Benefit and Sickness Benefit and has different rates, depending on how long you need to claim and the severity of your problems. The Benefits Agency has a leaflet (MG1) which outlines all the benefits to which your daughter might be entitled. Copies of this leaflet are available at your local Citizens' Advice Bureau and Social Security Office and they will also be able to give you guidance.

The second source of help comes in the form of grants from Macmillan Cancer Relief. These are available to people who are experiencing the effects of cancer or its treatment and who are in financial need. The grants cover a wide range of things from fares to hospital for treatment, convalescent breaks and child minders to some household items. They are only available to single people who have savings of less than £6,000 or couple, or family, with savings of less than £8,000. If, after all bills and amenities are paid, your daughter has less than £100 disposable income per week, she may be entitled to the grant. Patients cannot apply directly for these grants but have to make contact with either a Macmillan nurse, a community nurse or a health or social worker (your GP can arrange this). They will then fill in a grant application form on your daughter's behalf. Decisions on grants are usually made within a few days.

Incidentally Macmillan nurses can give a lot of helpful advice and support on a whole range of issues relating to your daughter's care apart from finances, so getting your GP to arrange for one of them to visit could be very worthwhile.