"GIVE THEM WHAT THEY DESERVE" - CHIDGEY

12.02.54pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 2nd Jul 2004

David Chidgey, Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh, today condemned damning figures released by Macmillan Cancer Relief which show that less than half of people diagnosed with terminal cancer are claiming the benefits to which they are entitled. The figures suggest that one of the major reasons for the low claimant rate is that people are simply not aware that they are entitled to benefits such as Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance, and Mr Chidgey is seeking to highlight the importance of claiming these benefits in order that those suffering from terminal cancer can be as comfortable as possible in their last months.

Mr Chidgey said

"People suffering from terminal cancer need to receive high quality support and advice to ensure that they know they can receive these benefits. They certainly should not have to suffer the stress and indignity of having to chase their entitlement."

The South West has one of the lowest claimant rates for benefits related to terminal cancer, with 65 % of those entitled not claiming. More that £126.5 million in benefits is going unclaimed at a time when financial needs for individuals may be greatest, through increased expenses on care, travel, prescriptions.

The lack of knowledge about entitlement to benefits can also be aggravated by the stigma attached to claiming as well as the bureaucracy it often involves, with people complaining that the forms are complex and intrusive. Studies suggest that financial concerns are second only to physical pain as a cause of stress for people with cancer and their families.

Macmillan is running an ongoing campaign to ensure that the benefits system meets the needs of individuals living with cancer, which Mr Chidgey will continue to actively support.