Financial and practical help

Financial and practical help

Cancer can make earning money harder and at the same time increase expenses. If you live in a rural or regional area, costs may be higher because of travel, accommodation and time away from work.

Many people worry about money when diagnosed with cancer. There are several professionals and organisations that can help with advice and financial assistance. Call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 for more information about what support is available.

Travel and accommodation support

Many people living in rural and regional areas need to travel to cities or larger regional centres for treatment – and they may also need to be away from home for periods of time.

Some hospitals have staff who provide support for patients from rural and regional areas. They may be called a rural liaison nurse, patient liaison officer, cancer care coordinator or patient travel team. They can help you organise transport and accommodation, as well as find local support.

Every state and territory in Australia has a government scheme to help people who need to travel to cancer treatment and stay away from home (see below). These schemes can help eligible people cover some of the costs of travel and accommodation near your treatment centre.

Travel and accommodation schemes

Other financial support

Whether you can work during and after treatment depends on many factors, such as how you’re feeling and the type of work you do. Ask your doctor about how cancer and treatment may affect your work.

If you work casually, seasonally or for yourself, you may not have paid leave or income protection. This can make the financial impact of cancer feel more immediate. If you have to stop working because of cancer, you may be able to get financial support in different ways.

Government benefits – A range of payments are provided by Centrelink for people with cancer and carers. To check if you’re eligible for payments, ask your social worker or visit Services Australia.

Superannuation (super) – You may be able to access super early in certain circumstances. Talk to your super provider or a financial professional for advice.

Insurances – Personal insurance policies (e.g. income protection or total and permanent disability insurance) may cover your situation. Or you may have cover through your super. Talk to your insurer or superannuation provider.

Support for rural business owners and farmers

A farm or business is hard to put on hold. Livestock still need feeding. Seasons don’t wait. Customers still call. If cancer means time away, planning early can help. Think about who could step in – a family member, neighbour or employee.

Support and services that may be able to help include:

• Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) – Free, independent and confidential financial counselling for eligible farmers, fishers and small rural businesses. Visit RFCS network call 1300 771 741.
• Farm Household Allowance – An Australian Government income support payment for farming families experiencing financial hardship. For current details, call the Farmer Assistance Hotline on 132 316 or visit Services Australia.
• Farmer Assistance Hotline – Specially trained Services Australia staff who can talk through income support options for farmers. Call 132 316 (Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm).
• Cancer Council – Call Cancer Connect on 13 11 20 for help navigating financial support, referrals to social workers, and other assistance that may be available.