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Dealing with cancer may present significant financial challenges for your clients. Having to take time off work to attend medical appointments and treatments in addition to out-of-pocket medical expenses and additional travel costs all impacts on a person’s financial situation. Any of your clients who are experiencing a cancer diagnosis can be referred to Cancer Council SA to access the below financial and legal services.

 

Financial Services Program

Cancer Council SA’s Financial Services Program provides support to individuals whose diagnosis of cancer is impacting on their financial situation.

A one-off grant is available to eligible clients to reduce the short-term financial burden on households via payment of an unpaid household utility bill such as gas, electricity or water.

This payment is made directly by Cancer Council SA.

Eligibility criteria:

  • The primary reason for financial hardship must be linked to a cancer experience.
  • This program is not means tested, however the financial impact of cancer on households is assessed by reviewing factors such as loss of income and increased expenses, and the impact they have on current financial responsibilities.
  • Referrals will only be accepted from health professionals who have undertaken an adequate financial and needs assessment.
  • Assistance will be considered for payment or part payment of an eligible household bill.
  • Funding is not available in cash, or for the direct payment of treatment for cancer, pharmaceutical costs, travel, accommodation costs, or the ongoing provision of aids or appliances.

Referral process

  • Health professionals can access a referral form here.   Please refer to the Financial Services Program Guidelines here for more information.
  • Send the completed referral form to Cancer Council SA Financial Services Program by email to financialassistance@cancersa.org.au.
  • If account/s are overdue or nearing due date, you are advised to organise extension/s.
  • Referrer is notified of the outcome within two weeks. Recipients of assistance are notified by letter that payment has been made.
  • For further enquiries contact Cancer Council on 13 11 20.

Legal and Financial Referral Services

Cancer Council connects people affected by cancer with volunteer professionals who provide advice and assistance to patients and their carers. Professionals include lawyers and financial advisers. Cancer Council staff do not provide advice directly to clients.

Cancer Council’s Legal and Financial Referral Services may be able to help cancer patients, carers and bereaved carers experiencing cancer-related legal or financial issues and are unable to afford professional advice. The services can advise on the following matters:

Legal Referral Service

  • Simple wills, Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardian documents (patients only)
  • Employment and discrimination matters
  • Superannuation and insurance disputes
  • Credit and debt matters

Financial Planning Referral Service

  • Early access to superannuation
  • Insurance claims (e.g. income protection, TPD and life insurance)
  • Help with Centrelink
  • Asset and debt management options
  • Retirement and estate planning

Financial eligibility criteria

Our referral services are means tested and patients and carers will be asked financial questions about:

  • Employment status;
  • Household income;
  • Housing situation and dependents; and
  • Assets and debts.

If a client is not eligible or requires assistance outside the scope of the program, they will be contacted and provided details of a volunteer professional who can assist on a paid basis or another free service.

Referral process

  • Health professionals can access a referral form here.
  • Send the referral form directly to Cancer Council’s Legal and Financial Referral Services via email to referralservices@cancercouncil.org.au
  • If the referral is urgent, call 1300 856 199.
  • Clients can self-refer by calling Cancer Council on 13 11 20.

“I’m so grateful to Cancer Council SA for paying for my quarterly bills at that time. Money was tight, and it meant that I could afford to travel home to be with my family.”
– Linda, Murray Bridge.

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Cancer Council 13 11 20 nurses can assist individuals and their carers to identify relevant community and government resources that may be able to offer financial or legal assistance.

Financial Services Resources

Financial Services Program Referral Form

Download resource

Financial Services Program Guidelines

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Changes to Cancer Council's Legal and Financial Referral Services

Download resource

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