PP-24 What are the barriers and facilitators to accessing financial grants for people with a terminal illness in England and Wales?: qualitative findings from research conducted with charity providers, referrers and patients

People living with terminal illness are at increased risk of financial insecurity due to needing to leave employment due to declining health or caring commitments ii and other increasing expenses, such as travel to medical appointments and costs associated with running medical equipment at home. Welfare payments have been found to be inadequate for people living with terminal illness ii necessitating access to alternative sources of financial support, such as grants from local government or charities. However, there is little national knowledge about the availability and uptake of this support. Aims We Aim to understand the barriers and facilitators to accessing financial grants, from the perspectives of people living with terminal illness, referrers, and the charitable organisations providing the support. Methods We conducted two focus groups with referrers (e.g. social workers, clinicians) (n=8, n=3). Focus group themes were then explored in semi-structured interviews with referrers (n=3), charity providers of financial support (n=4) and people with terminal illness who received funds from a service (n=1). Results We have identified three main themes; With larger charities no longer giving grants it has become increasingly difficult for referrers to identify sources of support. Platforms developed to signpost support can be difficult to navigate and often unsuccessful for both patients and charities. Applications for support often involve strict eligibility criteria with time consuming and challenging application processes. Some charity providers offer elements of support with the application process, but patient vulnerability may be compounded by what can be burdensome processes. Impact Findings illustrate patterns of access to financial support, where support can be found and the processes for accessing it. This knowledge will inform debates about the current state of services offering financial support and where system-improvements are needed. References Marie Curie (2019). The cost of dying. The financial Impact of terminal illness. https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/globalassets/media/documents/policy/policy-publications/2019/00962-cost-of-dying_financial-impact-report.pdf Gott M, Allen R, Moeke-Maxwell T, Gardiner C, Robinson J. ‘No matter what the cost’: a qualitative study of the financial costs faced by family and caregivers within a palliative care context. Palliative medicine 2015;29(6):518–28.