Support services
Financial counselling program
If you or your family are experiencing financial hardship following a cancer diagnosis, our financial counsellor can provide you with practical advice and guidance to help you manage the cost of cancer.
Our financial counsellor can answer questions around public and private healthcare, out-of-pocket costs, government benefits, superannuation, insurance, credit and debt issues and can even be a direct advocate with creditors where needed.
Contact our cancer nurses on 13 11 20 to find out more. Some criteria applies. It’s confidential, independent and free for all Victorians.
Other services that may be of assistance:
MoneySmart
Provides information on where to get help if you're in crisis or struggling to make ends meet.
Financial Rights Legal Centre
Is a community legal centre specialising in financial services, particularly in the areas of consumer credit, banking, debt recovery and insurance.
Professional help with legal, financial, HR and and small business matters
If you're in need of financial planning, legal advice, or guidance with work-related issues as a result of your cancer diagnosis, we can connect you with a professional for free advice. Please note eligibility criteria apply and you will be asked for some financial information to see if you are eligible; if you don't qualify, we can connect you with paid advice. Services include:
- Financial planning service – help with superannuation, estate planning, Centrelink payments, debt management and more.
- Legal referral service – advice on wills, power of attorney, employment and tenancy issues, mortgage hardship and other matters.
- Workplace advice service – from how and when to tell your employer about your diagnosis to tips for getting back into the workforce after sick leave.
- Small business advice service – qualified accountants can advise on tax issues, appointing a caretaker, business debts, sale of a business and assets, and other issues.
For more details, call 13 11 20 or email askanurse@cancervic.org.au.
Health professionals can access referral forms here.
Holiday Break Program
It can be difficult to afford a holiday after a cancer diagnosis. We can help by offering free accommodation for a short break for you and your family at a difficult time. The break can provide quality time with loved ones, away from hospitals and treatment. Holidays are within Victoria and can usually be offered reasonably close to home to minimise travel. Call 13 11 20 or email askanurse@cancervic.org.au for more information.
Wig Service
This free service is for men, women and children affected by hair loss due to cancer treatment. Select a wig of your choice and have it fitted by an experienced cancer nurse. If you're not able to come into our Melbourne office, we can post wigs out to you. To find out more, email askanurse@cancervic.org.au or call 13 11 20.
Managing Cancer workshops
If you'd like to meet others facing cancer and get practical information from health professionals, come along to one of our Managing Cancer workshops . These free information and support sessions are held regularly in hospitals and health services across Victoria. You can expect an open and informal discussion in a friendly setting. Family and friends are encouraged to come along. Call 13 11 20 or email cep@cancervic.org.au to find out when there's a session on near you.