Practical things

If you or someone you love is nearing the end of life, there may be practical or financial things to sort out. This page covers getting financial support, making a will, and planning a funeral- to help you feel more prepared and supported.

Getting financial support

You may be able to get financial support to help with your medical and personal care. Financial support may include:

• access to benefits
• carer’s allowance for someone who is looking after you
• free prescriptions (for people with cancer in England and/or those over 60 years old, and free for everyone across the rest of the UK)
• grants from charities or other organisations
• help sorting out your bank accounts or pension
• bereavement allowance for your husband, partner or wife.

If your doctor or nurse thinks you might not live for more than 12 months, you may be able to get benefits under special rules. These are sometimes called “special rules” benefits. You may be able to get:

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Attendance Allowance (AA).

You might be able to start getting payments quicker than usual and be eligible for more than one benefit at the same time. It doesn’t matter how much money you or your family earn or have in savings.

Speak to your doctor, nurse or social worker about how to apply for benefits and grants. Or find out more from Macmillan Cancer Support.

Making it easier for your loved ones

You could give your family access to financial and practical information they will need in the future. For example, information about bills and outgoing payments, your life insurance details or bank account information. Putting this information in one place can make things easier for your family in the future. It can also give you something to focus on.

You could use a secure online password manager which allows you to choose someone else to get access to your usernames and passwords when you are not around.

Making a Will

By making a Will you can decide who will get your money, possessions and property after you die. If you die without making a Will, the government can decide who gets these things. You don’t need a solicitor to make a Will, but using one makes sure your Will is made properly.

Read more about making a Will from Macmillan Cancer Support and Age UK. The Law Society can help you find a solicitor.

Making a funeral plan

Some people want to be involved in decisions about their own funeral, such as whether they will be buried or cremated, or what music or readings to have. Some people take comfort in making these plans. But other people prefer not to think about this.

If you do want to think about your funeral, you could discuss your wishes with your family, or write them down. Some people include instructions for their funeral in their Will.

Read more about planning a funeral from GOV.UK or Macmillan Cancer Support.

References and reviewers

Updated: August 2025 | Due for Review: August 2028