Dealing with your finances after a cancer diagnosis can be challenging. We offer practical steps to help reduce debt and manage expenses, covering areas like loans and credit cards, utility support, and council rates relief.
Learn more about:
- Overview
- Council rates
- Income tax
- Education expenses
- Loans and credit cards
- Medical and pharmaceutical expenses
- Rent
- Travel costs
- Utility bills
- Video: Debts and everyday expenses
Overview
One way to help balance your budget is to look at all your debts and expenses, and explore ways to reduce them. Although it can feel overwhelming to deal with many bills, there are options available if you are having trouble paying them.
You may find it helpful to ask a trusted family member or friend to help make phone calls or fill out forms, particularly if you are dealing with the side effects of cancer treatment. Some organisations may ask you to provide proof of why you are in hardship, such as a letter from your hospital, GP or treatment team confirming your diagnosis.
Council rates
Councils can charge interest on the amount you owe if you have not paid your rates on time. If you are concerned that you may not be able to pay your rates, talk to your council before your rates are due.
Many local councils have a rate assistance or rebate policy for people in financial hardship. You may be able to:
- claim a concession rate – these are available to holders of some concessions; the concession rate varies in each state and territory
- negotiate a payment plan to pay your rates in smaller instalments
- write off interest charges on overdue rates
- defer part or all of your rates and charges for a set period of time.
Contact your local council to find out about the help they offer to ratepayers. Most councils will ask you to put your request in writing.
Download our fact sheet on Help with bills.
You hear that once people are in the credit trap, they can’t get out of it. I called Cancer Council and ended up speaking to a financial counsellor. She helped me sort things out with the bank.
Vincent
Video: Debts and everyday expenses
Podcast: Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis
Listen to more of our podcast for people affected by cancer
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.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
