Can I donate if I have a caesarean section?
Yes. We can normally collect your cord blood whether you have an elective or emergency caesarean.
Will this affect any other government benefits I am already receiving?
No, don't worry this grant application won't affect other government benefits.
Is there any other financial help available?
- Grants from other charities or organisations are available. Contact your local Citizen's Advice for details.
- Macmillan Cancer Support offers grants for people undergoing treatment for cancer, including blood cancer.
- Financial support charity Turn2us lists grants that you may be eligible for. They also have a useful Benefits Calculator.
What happens if there are any issues?
We will be in touch you and your healthcare professional if we have any questions.
How long will it take to receive my Anthony Nolan grant?
Once approved, you can expect payment within approximately two weeks.
I have already purchased something, can I still apply?
Yes, if you have purchased something within the last three months, you can still apply.
Top tips for a successful application?
It’s worth bearing in mind that the panel will consider the following on each application:
- The extent to which there is a compelling case about the need for financial support at this time.
- A clear connection between the impact of needing or having a stem cell transplant and the items or services requested.
- Whether the information in the Medical Report supports the items or services requested.
- Whether you have received grants from other charities or organisations, such as Macmillan. Patients who have received other grants may still be eligible for an Anthony Nolan Grant.
- Whether the estimated cost of an item or service is reasonable. If the cost seems higher, an explanation for this would be expected.
- Whether there are statutory resources, or any other alternative forms of support available.
- Whether comfort and quality of life is compromised.
How do I apply?
You can ask a member of your healthcare team to complete the grant application form on your behalf.
In order to be successful, your healthcare professional must:
- explain the specific needs you have which are related to your stem cell transplant, and outline how an Anthony Nolan Grant will help to address these needs
- explain how you intend to spend your grant, and be specific about how you have estimated the costs, for example: ‘Petrol for ten trips to the hospital at £5 per visit’
- include other financial support that you are receiving, for example: ‘we have received £30 from the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme’.
If you would like to claim the extra £150 towards heating costs, simply ask your healthcare professional to tick the 'Winter Recovery Fund' option on the grant application form.
Who can apply?
You can apply for a grant if you have had any type of stem cell transplant for a blood cancer or blood disorder, or are due to have one in the next six months.
You must also:
- be a UK resident
- have no more than £6,000 in savings (if a single person) or £8,000 in savings (if a couple or family).
What should a grant be used for?
An Anthony Nolan Grant is up to £250. It can help cover any extra costs you may experience as a result of having a stem cell transplant, such as:
- travel to and from your transplant centre
- new clothes following weight loss/gain
- access to the internet during isolation
- washing machines (if you don’t already have one) to help with infection control.