Financial support for illness or injury

Being diagnosed with a critical illness can put significant pressure on your ability to meet day-to-day living expenses, especially if yours is the main source of income.
To help you manage this, we’ve outlined a few practical considerations.
There are several things you can do to improve your financial position:
Centrelink (located within the Department Of Human Services) has a number of payments available for those living with disabilities, illness and injury. Depending on your illness and financial situation, it may be appropriate for you to be placed on a pension while you are unable to work. Alternatively the Jobseeker payment may be available when you’re sick or injured and can’t do your usual work. Check eligibility criteria here or contact Centrelink to get informed regarding the process.
Being informed about your financial position offers you some peace of mind and allows you to make more educated decisions during a time when your financial situation is changing. Contact your solicitor, accountant and financial planner (if applicable), informing them of your serious illness diagnosis so that they can offer advice regarding your investments, insurance claims and superannuation.
If you are struggling with debt and unable to meet your ongoing expenses, you can secure free financial counselling through the independent National Debt Helpline. To find a local financial counsellor, call 1800 007 007.
Contact your utility and service providers such as water, electricity, gas, council, Australian Taxation Office, phone and internet providers regarding your financial situation and to discuss possible hardship support options. Also consider setting up direct debits to pay bills and nominate an authorised representative on your accounts. This can be especially helpful if the nature of your illness or injury means that you will be unwell for a prolonged period of time.
If you are comfortable talking to your employer, they may be able to help and offer options regarding leave, change of duties, flexible or reduced hours and work from home alternatives.
Medical bills and associated costs can add up. To help you manage this, here’s some things you may want to consider:
Things you should know: This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.
This information is general in nature and has been prepared without taking your objectives, needs and overall financial situation into account. For this reason, you should consider the appropriateness for the information to your own circumstances and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.
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