fbpx

Financial help

Grants for families affected by retinoblastoma

We know that ongoing treatment and post-treatment check-ups for a child with retinoblastoma can put an immense strain on family budgets and there is help that may be available to you. There are several organisations that offer financial support to families affected by cancer, and the CHECT support fund also provides grants to families.

Below is some information about the help which may be available to you from either CHECT or other organisations. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to speak to your CHECT support worker who will be very happy to help.

CHECT support fund

The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) support fund provides grants to families in need of financial help as a result of their child’s diagnosis, treatment or screening for retinoblastoma.

The fund is available to UK members of CHECT and/or those receiving treatment under the NHS in one of the UK retinoblastoma centres – Royal London Hospital or Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Eligible families could receive up to £200 per year.

To find out more, please read our CHECT support fund leaflet, which gives you more information about the fund, eligibility and how to apply. When you are ready to apply, please download the CHECT Support Fund Application Form.

Other funding available

Our grants are dependant on the availability of funds, so unfortunately we cannot guarantee them. There are several other organisations that offer financial support to families affected by cancer, which include:

  • The Family Fund
  • Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund
  • Young Lives vs Cancer
  • Hospital Travel Scheme
  • Macmillan Cancer Support

Please have a look at our Finance and Grants leaflet for more information about these schemes. Do speak to your CHECT support worker if you would like to know more or need some help applying.

Applying for benefits

If your child has been affected by retinoblastoma, they may be eligible for benefits, including the Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

Our Guide to Benefits leaflet gives you an introduction to the DLA and will help guide you through what can often seem like a daunting process. Support is available to ensure families are receiving all the benefits they are entitled to and there are several organisations that can help you with your application.

Useful resources

This information is mainly specific to parents whose children are in treatment or just after treatment. They are also available as part of the Just Diagnosed pack given to new members after their child has been diagnosed with Rb. For more information, please speak to your CHECT support worker.