Legal, financial & workplace concerns

Friday 30 March, 2012

On this page: Financial assistance | Insurance and superannuation | Working after treatment ends | Information reviewers

After any serious illness, people may have concerns about financial issues, insurance policies, superannuation and work. Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20 can provide contact details for local support services to help you cope with these problems.

Financial assistance

Cancer treatment can be expensive. Stopping work, paying for treatment, buying medications and travelling to treatment may leave some people with financial problems.

If you're struggling with debts, ask your lender if there is a financial hardship provision. Centrelink may be able to provide benefits - call 13 27 17. You can also see a financial adviser - visit www.financialcounsellingaustralia.org.au

Insurance and superannuation

Applying for new insurance (life, income cover or travel) may be more difficult because you have had cancer. You will need to provide your medical history for many insurance policies. However, you shouldn't have problems claiming on policies you had before diagnosis.

If your mortgage is associated with some kind of insurance, you may need to let your lender know that you had cancer.

It may be difficult to get travel insurance that covers medical problems related to the cancer, but you should be able to get a policy to cover basics such as lost baggage, theft and cancelled flights.

You may also be able to claim on an insurance policy provided by your superannuation fund. For more information, talk to the fund manager or contact National Legal Aid on 1300 888 529 or www.nla.aust.net.au

Working after treatment ends

Work is an important part of life for many people. Besides income, it can provide satisfaction and a chance to socialise. If you took time off work for treatment, you may choose to return to work or get a new job when you have recovered. Some people need to do this because of income and family needs.

Do I have a right to return to my job?

Australian laws require an employer to take reasonable steps to accommodate the effects of an employee's illness (e.g. providing a supported chair or moving your workstation to the ground floor).

If you're unable to carry out your previous role, your employer doesn't have to offer you a different job, but they can't terminate your employment for at least 12 months.

Must I disclose that I had cancer when applying for a new position?

While some people want to mention their cancer experience when they apply for a job, you don't have to tell a potential employer unless it is relevant to the position. If you'd prefer not to, and are asked about a gap in your resume, you might want to say that you had a health issue and it's now resolved.

A prospective employer can ask you about your ability to perform tasks that are an essential part of the job (e.g. lifting heavy boxes). If something is a problem for you because of the cancer or treatment, it's best to mention it at the interview.

What if I can no longer work?

If treatment has made it impossible to return to your previous work, then rehabilitation and retraining programs can prepare you for another job. Your employer may have a rehabilitation scheme.

Where can I get more information?

For more detailed information about employment and cancer download a free copy of Cancer, Work and You.

Discrimination at work

Misconceptions about cancer may mean some people are treated differently at work after a cancer diagnosis. Employers and colleagues may doubt your ability to work, or think you need more time off.

Anyone who has had cancer is protected by the Disability Discrimination Act, which prevents employers from discriminating against people with disabilities in the workplace.

If you need advice, speak to a social worker, a solicitor, your state or territory anti-discrimination body, Fair Work Australia, the Australian Human Rights Commission, a union official or a local community health centre.

Information reviewed by: Dr Kate Webber, Cancer Survivorship Research Fellow and Medical Oncologist, NSW Cancer Survivors Centre; Kathy Chapman, Director, Health Strategies, Cancer Council NSW; Janine Deevy, Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Care Coordinator, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, QLD; Dr Louisa Gianacas, Clinical Psychologist, Psycho-oncology Service, Calvary Mater Newcastle, NSW; Tina Gibson, Education and Support Officer, Cancer Council SA; A/Prof Michael Jefford, Senior Clinical Consultant at Cancer Council VIC, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Clinical Director, Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre, VIC; Annie Miller, Project Coordinator, Community Education Programs, Cancer Council NSW; Micah Peters, Project Officer, Education and Information, Cancer Council SA; Janine Porter-Steele, Clinical Nurse Manager, Kim Walters Choices, The Wesley Hospital, QLD; Ann Tocker, Cancer Voices; and A/Prof Jane Turner, Department of Psychiatry, University of Queensland.

 

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