The way that cancer affects your income will depend on your situation. You may work on a casual, part-time or full-time basis, work from home or be self-employed. Or you may be retired and living on a pension, income from investments or your superannuation payments.
Time off work
Cancer may mean a loss of income if you or your carer need to take time off work. If you are working, ask your doctor how much time off you may need. Many people can continue working during treatment, although having some time off for treatment and recovery is common
Leave
Talk with your employer about leave entitlements and flexible working arrangements. The types of leave you may be able to take include paid sick leave, annual leave, long service leave, and unpaid leave.
If you have a partner or carer, they can speak with their employer about 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.
If you are self-employed, you may need to find some other sources of income.
Insurance
If you have income protection insurance (also called salary continuance insurance), you may be able to receive a portion of your income while you are unable to work. You might have taken out a policy yourself, or it could have been included with your superannuation or provided by your employer.
Download our fact sheets on Insurance and Superannuation.
Learn more about managing your working life after a cancer diagnosis.
My income was reduced when I cut back my working hours, but I was able to scrape by. I saved up some money during my paid sick leave.
Sarah
→ READ MORE: How do I manage my finances?
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More resources
HWL Ebsworth Lawyers, Sydney, NSW; Leigh Aitken, Consumer; Mary Bairstow, Senior Social Worker, Cancer Centre, Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA; Lynette Brailey, Team Leader Financial Counselling, Cancer Council NSW; Corinne Jones and Siew Tan, Financial Counsellors, Cancer Council VIC; Penny Jacomos, Social Worker, Asbestos Diseases Society of South Australia, SA; Dr Deme Karikios, Head of Department – Medical Oncology, Nepean Cancer and Wellness Centre, Nepean Hospital, NSW; Valerie Parsons, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Viridian Financial Group, Melbourne, VIC.
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