Financial support

A cancer diagnosis and treatment can affect many areas of a person’s life – including finances.

Cancer Council NSW provides financial guidance, information and support to help people navigate cancer-related financial issues. All patients and carers referred for financial support will be contacted by our qualified Financial Navigators, who will unpack their financial situation and determine which level of support is most appropriate.

Our Financial Navigation Service is a free telephone-based service that helps people affected by cancer understand their financial rights and options, empowering them to make informed financial decisions. This service can support patients, carers and bereaved carers and is not means tested.

Our Financial Navigators can:

discuss financial rights and options, including how to manage everyday expenses and debts
prepare a budget
provide guidance and help navigating of hardship programs, concessions and rebates
connect eligible patients and carers who require more intensive support with Cancer Council NSW’s internal financial counsellors and/or external volunteer financial planners
provide temporary financial relief (up to $350 towards utility bills or food or fuel vouchers) for patients in critical financial hardship who meet a strict means test. We’re grateful to Joyce and Basil Philips and the JEP Trust for its generous support of this program.

Financial Counselling Service

Our Financial Counsellors provide information, guidance and support to help people affected by cancer manage debts and everyday expenses.

They can act as a negotiator, advocate for people who are at financial risk, and work with community organisations that support people experiencing financial hardship.

Our Financial Counselling Service is a free telephone-based service that can help people affected by cancer with:

budgeting and managing everyday expenses
options to manage debts, including reducing or pausing repayments
negotiating with creditors
information about consumer rights.

Financial Planning Referral Service

Our Financial Planning Referral Service connects patients and carers with qualified external financial planners.

Financial planners can support with:

accessing superannuation and insurance
eligibility for Centrelink payments
asset and debt management advice
managing lump sum payments
retirement and estate planning.

Usually, we connect clients with a local financial planner who can assist in-person. Alternatively, assistance may be provided via phone, video or email where appropriate.

Temporary financial assistance

For patients experiencing acute financial hardship as a result of their cancer diagnosis, we can provide a once-off temporary financial assistance payment.

Eligible patients can receive up to $350 in grocery, petrol or taxi vouchers, or paid towards utility bills or other eligible household expenses.

This support is limited to patients in critical financial hardship who meet a strict means test.

How you can access these services

You can access these services by:

- calling our Information & Support Line on 13 11 20

- speaking to a Cancer Council Liaison if there is one based at your treatment centre (see list here)

- speaking to a healthcare professional at your treatment centre and they can refer you.

If you require a translator, you can call 13 14 50 to use our translating service (TIS).

Learn more about Cancer and your finances or download our booklet.

Video: The cost of cancer

Understanding the costs of cancer treatment is crucial for planning ahead. From medical expenses to practical costs like travel and childcare, know what to expect and how to navigate financial decisions.

Video: Centrelink payments

Discover the financial support options available if you need to stop working due to illness. Learn about Centrelink payments, healthcare cards, and resources from the Cancer Council to help manage your financial situation.

Video: Debts and everyday expenses

Struggling with debt or bills? Learn how to manage your finances and get support from a financial counsellor. Watch now for practical tips and resources.