Financial Assistance
The costs relating to cancer, such as treatment costs and loss of income, can add stress.
Some costs associated with cancer include:
- treatments, hospital stays and caregivers
- travelling for appointments and treatment
- loss of income from being off work
- tools or aids to help in your daily life, such as communication tools and eating aids
Where Can I Find Support?
Depending on your situation, you may be able to get financial support to help you during and after your treatment. Your cancer nurse specialist or social worker will be able to tell you if you are eligible for any government benefits or pensions. There are also other things that can be done to ease financial stress, such as suspending mortgage or other loan repayments, or accessing your superannuation.
A social worker will help you to talk about any stress you are feeling about money. If you need it, they can put you in contact with services that can help you with your accommodation, food and transport needs.
Your cancer care team may also recommend that you see a financial adviser to discuss your situation. A financial adviser can give you advice and strategies for managing your money while you are off work during your treatment and recovery.
The Cancer Council has a free program which provides financial planners, lawyers, accountants and human resource professionals to help you to navigate this information. Contact the Cancer Council helpline for more information 13 11 20.
