Cancer patients could lose up to £94 a week in benefits as the government cuts costs, Macmillan Cancer Support has warned.
The charity said that under the Welfare Reform Bill plans many cancer patients will have their Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) removed after one year leaving some without crucial financial support at a time when they are simply unable to return to work.
Macmillan estimates nearly 7,000 cancer patients will be affected by this change and noted the government's own statistics show 94% of claimants, including cancer patients, will still need ESA after one year.
Ciarán Devane, Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "Many cancer patients will lose this crucial benefit simply because they have not recovered quickly enough.
"This proposal in the Welfare Reform Bill will have a devastating impact on many cancer patients. We are urging the government to change their plans to reform key disability benefits to ensure cancer patients and their families are not pushed into poverty."
Macmillan Cancer Support wants the Bill amended so everyone eligible for ESA will receive it for as long as they need it, regardless of their financial circumstances.
The charity also believes it is unacceptable to make cancer patients wait six months to access Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
