Young Lives vs Cancer Statement on Welfare Benefits News

“At Young Lives vs Cancer, we know how difficult children and young people with cancer, as well as their families and carers, find accessing welfare benefits under the current system. Our new research highlights the long waits after diagnosis these young people and families face before receiving benefits and the complex and confusing system they current have to navigate.

“Children and young people with cancer and those that support them rely on welfare benefits to help cope with the spiralling additional costs of living with cancer. They are a vital lifeline – especially when income drops, costs go up, and the future is uncertain.

“While we await further news on what proposed changes to the welfare benefits system may be to come, Young Lives vs Cancer are clear that the system as it is isn’t working for young cancer patients, their families and carers, and something needs to change. Whatever is to come, the system must provide the support they need, when they need it, and it must be quicker and simpler. Anything less leaves children and young people with a cancer diagnosis and their families facing debt and hardship at the time they most need support.”

Helen Gravestock,
Directory of Policy, Communications and Voice at Young Lives vs Cancer