Many cancer patients discover that one of the unexpected side-effects of cancer can be financial difficulties and practical complications with everyday issues, such as benefits, insurance, employment rights and so on. Below is a list of organisations that may be able to help, and your hospital social worker or breast care nurse may be able to tell you about any financial and practical assistance you may be eligible for, including information on the services that are available in your state and local area. They may also be able to help you in claiming benefits and assistance.
Australian Cancer Foundation – A “no-frills” not-for-profit organisation that prides itself on easing the burden for people and families affected by cancer.
Australian Government Website – Information is available here on public services, including housing, private renting, benefits, and life events.
Australian Taxation Office (ATO) – The ATO provides up to date information on current rates and allowances on all taxation matters.
BCNA – The Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is a charity that works to ensure that Australians affected by breast cancer receive the very best support, information, treatment and care appropriate to their individual needs.
Can Assist – An organisation that provides financial assistance to cancer patients in rural or remote areas of Australia.
Cancer Council Australia – Cancer Council can also assist in connecting you with the right services to help with transport and accommodation needs for cancer patients in Australia, as well as practical and financial assistance.
Centrelink – Centrelink is an Australian Government Statutory Agency, assisting people to become self-sufficient and supporting those in need.
Commonwealth Financial Counselling (CFC) – Commonwealth Financial Counselling services are delivered by community and local government organisations and help people in personal financial difficulty to address their financial problems and make informed choices. Circumstances that can lead to personal financial difficulty include unemployment, sickness, credit over- commitment and family breakdown.
Financial counsellors can assist people who are experiencing personal financial difficulties by helping to negotiate with creditors, advocate for you, explain what options are available when you are not able to pay bills, explain the debt recovery process and develop a budgeting plan.
Telephone Financial Counselling – The national 1800 007 007 financial counselling helpline provides access to free financial counselling information across Australia. It aims to help vulnerable individuals and families across a range of income and financial literacy levels to manage their money, overcome financial adversity, participate in their communities and plan for the medium to long term. A booking and referral service is available through the national 1800 007 007* service to provide details of face-to-face financial counselling services in your local area. *Please note that calls to 1800 007 007 from public phones/mobile phones may be timed and charged at a higher rate.
Emergency Relief – Emergency Relief helps people deal with their immediate financial crisis situation in a way that maintains the dignity of the individual and encourages self-reliance. There are over 700 community and charitable organisations around Australia providing Emergency Relief services. Emergency Relief assistance is generally in the form of:
- Purchase vouchers of a fixed value (for example, food, transport or chemist vouchers).
- Part-payment of an outstanding account (for example rent/accommodation, utility account/s).
- Material assistance such as household goods, food parcels or clothing, as well as help budgeting for your expenses.
Emergency Relief activities are also an important gateway to other support services that can help people deal with more complex issues, including issues that have contributed to, or are a consequence of, financial stress. For example, Emergency Relief organisations can also refer people to services such as, financial counselling, microfinance and matched savings initiatives, drug and alcohol support, crisis accommodation and mental health services.
Find your nearest Emergency Relief service by calling 1300 653 227 (local call cost only) and ask to be put through to your local state office.
Financial Information Service:
Centrelink’s Financial Information Service (FIS) is an education and information service available to everyone in the community. FIS helps people to make informed decisions about investment and financial issues for their current and future financial needs. FIS is independent, free and confidential and provides services through seminars, and by phone and appointment.
Medical Treatment Overseas (MTO) Program –This program provides financial assistance for Australians with a life-threatening medical condition to receive proven lifesaving medical treatment overseas where effective treatment is not available in Australia.
National Association of Community Legal Centres – Community legal centres are independent, non-profit community organisations that provide free legal services to the public. Community legal centres provide referral, advice and assistance and their services are provided free of charge.
National Shelter Inc – National Shelter cannot house you, but provide information for people seeking housing or housing assistance through their State Shelter networks.
Isolated Patients Travel & Accommodation Schemes – Transport and accommodation subsidy schemes operate in each state and territory that assists people in isolated and rural communities to gain access to specialist medical treatment not available in their own area.
Redkite Financial and Education Assistance – A diagnosis of cancer brings extra financial demands. Redkite provides financial assistance for young people (up to the age of 24) and their families to help them manage everyday expenses. The charity assists with the costs of travel and accommodation near hospitals and essential household expenses, well as provides assistance through education grants and scholarships.
Accessing Superannuation:
From 1 July 2007, if you have a terminal medical condition and want to access your super, you can apply directly to your super fund. They decide whether to release your super. If your super fund allows these types of payments, you need to supply them with medical certification before they can make a payment. Payment of your super can only be made as a lump sum. Ask your provider.
Tax Help program – Tax Help is a network of community volunteers who provide a free and confidential service to help people complete their tax returns at tax time. Eligibility criteria apply.
