Benefit systems are complex. The rules change quite often, and so does the value of the benefits. For this reason everyone needs advice tailored to their own circumstances. Do not assume that you are getting all the help to which you are entitled: large numbers of people slip through the net.

If you are still having some treatment you can contact your hospital or community social worker. If your treatment has ended contact your local social services department and ask to see a social worker. He or she will be able to assess your situation and advise you and your family about any benefits that you can claim, and can help you to claim them or claim them on your behalf. They can also advise you about schemes which allow you to work part-time while still qualifying for benefits, e.g. the Therapeutic Earnings Rule and Disability Working Allowance. There is also a national freephone Benefit Enquiry Line (for people who are ill or disabled) – you can contact it on 0800 882200. The Department for Work and Pensions website (www.dwp.gov.uk) gives details of benefits.

Your social worker, social security office or Citizens Advice Bureau can also help you deal with debts, and will know about any special funds available for people in your situation. A national debtline gives free, independent and confidential advice on dealing with debt: the phone number is 0808 808 4000. A Citizens Advice Bureau or other local advice agency can also help to ensure you do not miss out on your entitlements.

The Disability Alliance has a benefits helpline and publishes the Disability Rights Handbook.

You may need help in deferring unavoidable bills and charges such as your rent or mortgage, council tax and heating bills.

If you are having difficulty, or think that you may have problems in meeting monthly mortgage repayments, it is a good idea to contact the manager of the bank or building society that arranged the mortgage to explain your situation. Building societies are sometimes prepared to suspend payments for a few months (especially when your case is explained in a report from a social worker). This gives you a chance to sort out your finances. It may be possible to extend the term of the mortgage so there is less to pay each month, or you may be able to make interest-only payments, which will reduce the monthly payment. Help with the interest on your mortgage may be available from the Department of Social Security.

You can speak to your local council office about deferring council tax payments and can contact providers of services such as water, gas, electricity and telephones if you have difficulty in meeting payments for these services. There may also be a neighbourhood Law Centre in your area which can advise you if you have problems with repayments. For more information on your nearest law centre, contact the Law Centres Federation.

Macmillan Cancer Relief provides grants to people in financial need who are experiencing the effects of cancer. It aims to complement the help available from Social Services and social security benefits.

Applications for a grant are not accepted directly from patients, but have to be made through Macmillan nurses, other health or social workers, community/district nurses or the Citizens Advice Bureau. A response is usually given within a few days. Grants are not given to single people who have savings of more than £6,000 or couples with savings of more than £8,000. Grants are given for specific purposes, not on a continuing basis, but people may receive more than one.

A book called A guide to grants for individuals in need gives details of local and national trusts and charities that provide grants. Some may be appropriate to you. The book is available from bookshops or the reference section of local libraries.

Many trade unions and professional bodies have special benevolent funds that can help with cash grants for people in difficulties. It may be helpful to contact your union or professional association, or speak to the personnel officer at your place of work.