Carer Gateway
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Overview
Caring for someone with cancer can cause money worries. Carers may be eligible for financial assistance through Services Australia (Centrelink), and there are also travel payments available through states and territory governments.
Carers can plan for future changes to their situation with an emergency care plan. They can also help the person with cancer to plan for their future medical care, which is called advance care planning.
What's on this page
Legal and financial challenges can add to the stress of being a carer. Getting professional help can take a great weight off your mind.
Financial concerns
Caring for someone with cancer can cause money worries. There may be a drop in your household income if you or the person you are caring for needs to reduce work hours or stop working. There may also be new expenses such as medicines, tests, equipment and aids.
You may be able to get government benefits and payments and other financial support to help with these costs. For more information, speak to a social worker on the treatment team or call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20. The person you are caring for may also be eligible for financial support. For more information, see Cancer and your finances.
Getting help with finances
Services Australia
This government agency offers a free, confidential Financial Information Service that provides information on financial matters. Call 132 300 or visit Services Australia to find out more.
Qualified professionals
- Financial counsellors help people manage their personal budget and finances, including debt. To talk to a financial counsellor, call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007. This is a free and confidential service.
- Financial advisers (also called financial planners) help people manage their assets and financial affairs, including superannuation. To find a financial adviser, visit Money Smart and search for “financial advisers register”. Financial advisers usually charge fees.
Finding financial support for carers
Centrelink benefits
Centrelink benefits
Services Australia offers various payments. The Carer Payment is for carers who provide full-time daily care in the home of the sick person. The Carer Allowance is for carers who provide extra daily care. Centrelink benefits may be income and asset tested or have other eligibility requirements. For more information, contact Services Australia on 132 717 or ask a hospital social worker.
Hardship programs
Hardship programs
Most utility providers offer payment options to customers who are having trouble paying bills. Credit providers also offer hardship variations to people having difficulty repaying loans and credit cards. For more information, talk to a hospital social worker or speak to a financial counsellor.
Travel payments
Travel payments
Every state and territory has a government scheme that provides financial help to people who need to travel long distances for specialist medical treatment that is not available in their local area. Many schemes also assist with the cost of accommodation. In some cases, financial assistance may also be available if a carer needs to travel with the patient to treatment. The eligibility rules are different for each state and territory. Ask a hospital social worker for more details or call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20.
Taxi subsidy scheme
Taxi subsidy scheme
Your state or territory may have a scheme that subsidises taxi travel for people with disabilities and their carers. For more information, visit Carer Gateway and search for “taxi subsidy scheme”.
Superannuation
Superannuation
In very limited circumstances, you may be able to access your superannuation early, such as to pay for a dependant’s medical treatment or due to severe financial hardship. Keep in mind that accessing this money may have tax implications and could affect your retirement income and insurance policies. To find out more, visit the ATO, contact your super fund and seek professional advice.
Cancer Council
Cancer Council
Depending on where you live and if you meet the eligibility criteria, Cancer Council may be able to provide some financial support or refer you to a qualified professional for free assistance – call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 to find out more.
Planning for the future
A cancer diagnosis can make it difficult to talk about the future. It is never too early to think about how you and the person you are caring for will manage if the situation changes. Knowing plans are in place can help ease worries, give you a sense of control and allow you both to focus more fully on the present.
Emergency care plan
An emergency care plan is a document that gathers information about the care you provide in one place, so that someone can take over from you if you are unable to provide care for any reason. It records the care routine, medicines taken and details of services that come to the house to help with care.
Think about the best people to fulfil your carer’s role. Discuss the duties with them and ask for their commitment, then give them and the person’s doctors a copy of the plan. Let the person you’re caring for know about the alternative arrangements. It is a good idea to carry a carer emergency card in your wallet. This tells people that you are a carer and who to contact in an emergency.
To download a sample emergency care plan and carer emergency card, visit Carer Gateway. To get a printed copy of the plan and card, call 1800 422 737.
Advance care planning
It is important for the person with cancer to plan for their future medical treatment and care, and to discuss their preferences and values with family, friends and the health care team. This process is called advance care planning and it can involve preparing legal documents to appoint a substitute decision-maker, make an advance care directive or prepare a will.
Relevant support
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