£100 fuel payment still available for cancer patients

Health Minister Edwin Poots has urged cancer patients to contact their GP to find out if they are eligible to receive a £100 winter fuel payment.
~ Monday, 13 February 2012

Following an Assembly Question today, the Minister said: “GPs have spent the last few weeks contacting cancer patients who are eligible to receive this one off £100 payment, which will help towards paying fuel bills during these colder months. As yet, around 4,500 forms have been submitted by those who wish to receive payment.

“However, I want to make sure that all those eligible receive this payment and I would urge anyone who thinks they may fit the criteria and who have not yet been contacted by their GP, to get in touch with their local health care centre.”

Eligible patients are:

• people who have received surgery for cancer within the qualifying period 13 June 2011 to 18 December 2011;
• people who have received radiotherapy, chemotherapy or palliative care for cancer within the qualifying period 13 June 2011 to 18 December 2011; or
• people for whom a decision is made, during the qualifying week of 12 to 18 December 2011, to provide treatment for cancer in the form of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or palliative care.

The Minister continued; “The physical affects of cancer and cancer treatments means that many people suffering with cancer face increased financial difficulties. This payment will go someway towards easing that burden. There is also a helpline number available to anyone with further questions - 028 9032 1313. Please do call the number and find out if you can access this fund.”

Notes to editors:

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