Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking through the welfare system to support children and young people diagnosed with cancer.

The extra costs disability benefits available to children and young people, Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), provide a contribution towards the additional costs that may arise from a long-term disability or health condition. These benefits are assessed on the basis of needs arising and not on the condition itself, so are available to those with cancer and other conditions.

The extra costs benefits are non-contributory, non-means-tested and can be worth over £9,500 a year, tax free. Individuals or Parent/guardians for DLA child cases can choose how to use the benefit, in the light of their individual needs and preferences. The benefit also acts as a gateway to other financial support such as Carer’s Allowance, disability additions in Universal Credit, Motability Scheme, Blue Badge Scheme and exemption from the benefit cap.