In April 2007 the County Council’s Macmillan Welfare Rights Service was launched. The Service is funded by Macmillan Cancer Support to provide benefits advice to anyone affected by cancer, their carers and families across Bedfordshire. Nationally, Macmillan Cancer Support estimate that 54% of people with a life threatening illness do not claim the disability benefits they are entitled to receive.  

During the 2007/08 the Macmillan Welfare Rights Team: Held 137 outreach / drop-in sessions across Bedfordshire (hospitals, day centres)Made 756 home visitsAdvised and assisted people affected by cancer to claim benefits/grants worth an extra £2.2 millionGained an average of £2,085 in benefits/grants per person 

The Service covers the whole of Bedfordshire and there is a dedicated contact number (01234) 276948 (ext. 44948 internal) or email: MacmillanWRS@bedscc.gov.uk