Financial & Legal Matters

The impact of cancer extends beyond the physical, affecting many aspects of a person’s life. You’re not alone—we’re here to help through our Financial Counselling Service. This service may also provide access to legal assistance with Wills and Power of Attorney.

Services available Monday – Friday (excluding public holidays) 9am – 5pm.

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Support from 13 11 20

Our team is here to listen and support you.

Financial Counselling Service

Financial Counselling helps people address their immediate financial issues and prevent future problems. Financial Counsellors are qualified professionals who can provide information, advocacy and support to people experiencing financial difficulty.

How to refer for the Financial Counselling Service

1. Check your eligibility for the service

If you’re a Queensland resident aged 18 or over and facing financial challenges due to your or your loved one’s cancer diagnosis, you may be eligible.

2a. Call 13 11 20 for a self-referral

Anyone can self-refer to the Financial Counselling Service by calling 13 11 20. You can choose from a face-to-face appointment (in Brisbane), phone appointment or video appointment.

2b. Your health professional can lodge a referral form

As a health professional, you can refer someone to this service by:

  1. Obtaining consent from your patient
  2. Complete the below Financial Counselling Referral Form. Please do not submit a second online request.
  3. When completing the form, select the option for “Financial Counselling” under the type of “Support Requested”, providing a brief summary of their relevant financial concerns under the “Additional Information” section.
3. What to expect

You will be contacted within 5 business days from the time of referral a member of the 13 11 20 team who will talk to you about the referral and other support offered by Cancer Council Queensland. They will make a referral to one of our financial counsellors who will contact you to make an appointment time The initial assessment takes approximately 60 minutes, typically involving an in-depth review of your current financial situation. Subsequent sessions will last 30-60 minutes, depending on your needs.

What to Bring

You may be asked to share personal financial documents, such as bank statements, pay slips, or loan agreements, to help us better understand your situation and provide the most effective support.

To make the most out of your financial counselling session, please come prepared with the following:

  • Proof of income (pay slips, tax returns, government benefits).  
  • Documentation of your debts (loan statements, credit card bills).  
  • Monthly expenses (rent, utilities, insurance).  
  • Any other relevant financial documents (bank statements, superannuation fund information).  

The initial appointment may include:

  • An assessment of your financial goals, challenges, and any immediate needs.  
  • Identification of areas where you may need support, such as budgeting, debt management, or understanding your rights with creditors.  

Setting financial goals and action plans

Once our assessment is complete, your financial counsellor will support you with your financial goals.

This may include:

  • Developing a personalised budget or statement of financial position.
  • Reviewing your debts and assessing options for managing or reducing them (e.g., repayment plans, hardship arrangements).  
  • Discussing the potential for negotiating with creditors, understanding your rights and responsibilities, and exploring available government or community resources.  
  • Identifying and providing additional referrals to other support services (e.g., legal services, dispute services, housing support).  

Legal Support Program

Cancer Council Queensland, in partnership with Safewill offers Wills and Power of Attorney at no cost to people navigating a cancer diagnosis.

What is offered under this program

This program covers a basic will and Power of Attorney. It does not cover:

  • Disability trusts, Testamentary Trusts, or any other type of trust drafted into the Will
  • Review or amendment of any existing trust deeds
  • Review or amendment of business succession documents or shareholders’ agreements
1. Check your eligibility for the service

If you’re a Queensland resident aged 18 or over and needing to make a will and/or power of attorney due to your cancer diagnosis, you may be eligible

2. Your health professional must lodge a referral form

As a health professional, you can refer someone to this service by:

  • Obtain consent from your client
  • Complete the below referral form. When completing the form, select the option for “Legal Matters” under the type of “Support Requested”
3. What to expect

A member of the 13 11 20 Team will contact you directly to discuss the referral and eligibility for the program. If eligible they will link you to Safewill.

Once linked with Safewill, the process is simple, you will complete guided online questions, then have a short appointment with one of Safewill’s lawyers to review and finalise your Will.

Questions you may have

How does cancer affect you financially?

A cancer diagnosis and treatment can impact many areas of life, including your finances. You may find yourself navigating new financial challenges, such as reduced income, increased costs, or the need to adjust your financial plans. There are many different types of costs that can add up during cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. These will vary depending on cancer type, stage and treatment options, and whether you have treatment as a public or private patient.

How to reduce the financial toxicity of cancer care?

Sorting out financial issues can strain your wellbeing and your relationships. Talking to a trusted family member or a professional financial counsellor about your finances may help you clarify your situation and find solutions or financial support. Whether it’s managing reduced income, paying bills, or planning for the future, free financial counselling is available to support you. Call 13 11 20 to connect with Cancer Council’s Financial Counselling Service.

Are there Government grants for cancer patients?

The Australian Government provides a range of assistance payments through Centrelink that may be available to people with cancer and their carers. These include:

Have other questions? Talk to us.

Our team is here to listen and support you.