How to deal with financial stress from cancer this Christmas

When you’re having cancer treatment, the costs can quickly add up. This can create a lot of financial stress, especially at Christmas time when you have other expenses. If you are facing financial hardship because of your cancer treatment, these four options can help.

1. Talk to your doctor or seek counselling

Your doctor may suggest ways to reduce your treatment costs, offer flexible repayment plans or they might be able to keep seeing you as a public patient.

Your doctor can refer you to a social worker or welfare officer for counselling and emotional support, help adjusting to a cancer diagnosis and carer support.

They can also refer you to an accredited counsellor or a psychologist. You may be able to receive Medicare rebates to cover some or all the costs of the services. Ask your doctor if you are eligible.

2. Speak to your loved ones

Sorting out your money worries can put a strain on your wellbeing and your relationships. Talking to a trusted family member may help you clarify your situation and work out practical solutions.

If you have a partner or carer, they can ask their employer to confirm their leave entitlements – they may be able to take carer’s leave or unpaid leave to look after you and/or your children, if you have any.

3. Connect with a finance professional

Depending on your circumstances, you should see a financial counsellor or a financial adviser. A financial counsellor can help you to budget and work out a plan to manage your finances, and their advice is free. On the other hand, a financial adviser gives investment advice to help people grow their wealth and they typically charge a fee for their service. 

To find a counsellor in your area, call 1800 007 007 or visit Financial Counselling Australia’s website.

4. Get help from our Legal and Financial Support Service

Our Legal, Financial, Small Business and Workplace Referral Service can help you with legal, financial, small business or workplace issues. We can connect you with professionals who can help you with:

• preparing wills and power of attorney documents
• early access to superannuation
• insurance claims and disputes
• credit and debt issues
• employment law advice or managing workplace issues
• handling disruption to your small business.

Advice is provided by volunteer professionals and is free for people who cannot afford to pay for it. We will ask you a series of financial questions to check your eligibility. If you don’t qualify, we’ll put you in touch with a professional who offer paid services.

If you are experiencing financial challenges because of cancer, it is important is to seek help early to ensure you receive the right support. You can read more information on managing your finances on our Cancer and your finances section or call 13 11 20 to speak to one of our team.