Legal and financial services

Cancer Council SA’s Financial Assistance 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 unpaid utility 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 Financial Assistance Program Guidelines for more information.
• Send the completed referral form to Cancer Council SA Financial Assistance Program by fax on (08) 9291 4268 or 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.

The Cancer Council Pro Bono Program supports cancer patients, carers and bereaved carers with advice around legal issues and financial planning.

The program connects people affected by cancer with a professional, lawyer or financial planner, who volunteers their time.

The Cancer Council Pro Bono Program can help cancer patients, carers and bereaved carers with advice on the following:

Legal issues

• wills, power of attorney and enduring guardianship
• superannuation and insurance disputes
• employment law and discrimination
• credit and debt matters
• Centrelink disputes

Financial planning

• accessing superannuation and insurance
• advice in relation to debt management
• eligibility and accessing Centrelink payments
• transitioning to retirement and managing lump sum payments

Eligibility criteria

The service is means-tested and is free for people who cannot afford the cost of advice. Clients will be asked about their employment status, household income, Centrelink payments, 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.

The program cannot help with:

• criminal law matters
• family law, e.g. divorce and separation, custody or property settlements
• property issues
• estate administration
• bankruptcy and taxation issues medical negligence and workers compensation
• Advance Health Care Directives

Referral process

• Health professionals can access a referral form here.
• Send the referral form directly to Cancer Council Pro Bono Programs by fax on (02) 8302 3520 or email to probono@cancercouncil.org.au
• If the referral is urgent, call 1300 856 199.
• Clients can self-refer by calling Cancer Council on 13 11 20.