Looking after someone with blood cancer can be challenging – emotionally, physically and financially. But you don’t have to manage everything on your own. There are financial supports, legal tools and services available to help make your role as a carer a little easier.
Financial support for carers
If you’re caring for someone with blood cancer, you might have to reduce your work hours or stop working completely. You may be able to receive financial help through Centrelink.
Main payments for carers
A Carer Payment is a regular income support payment for people who provide full-time care to someone with a serious illness or disability. This payment applies if you provide constant care to someone for at least six months.
- You must meet income and asset limits.
- The amount of carer payment depends on your personal circumstances.
- The person you’re caring for must meet medical eligibility rules.
A Carer Allowance is an extra payment for people who provide daily care to someone who is seriously ill, disabled or frail.
- You can get this payment even if you work or get other benefits.
- The person you care for must need help for at least 12 months.
Other payments and support
You or the person you care for may also be eligible for:
- Disability Support Pension – if you have a physical, intellectual or psychiatric condition that is likely to persist for more than two years and stops you from working
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – if the person you are caring for is younger than 65
- My Aged Care – if either of you are older than 65
- Essential Medical Equipment Payment – a yearly payment to help with energy costs to run essential medical equipment, or heating or cooling used for medical needs.
For more information visit Health and disability – Services Australia
Help with managing money
If you’re struggling with money or debts, free advice is available through Financial Counselling Australia. Visit financialcounsellingaustralia.org.au to find a local counsellor.
Find out more about dealing with debt:
- Welcome Page – National Debt Helpline (ndh.org.au)
- Dealing with debt | Australian Financial Security Authority (afsa.gov.au)
- Managing debt – Moneysmart.gov.au
- Financial Information Service – Services Australia
- Financial Assistance – How & Where To Get Financial Help In Australia (wayforward.org.au)
Each state and territory have hardship assistance schemes you can apply to. This includes help with bills such as electricity, phone, rates, transport and education costs:
- Queensland – Concessions and Rebates Finder
- New South Wales – EnableNSW, Savings Finder
- Victoria – Department of Families, Fairness and Housing Services
- South Australia – Care and support concessions and grants
- Western Australia – ConcessionsWA
- Tasmania – Tasmanian Government Concessions
- ACT – Housing, rates and utilities assistance
- NT – Concession Scheme
Financial support and advice
If you need additional support or advice about your personal financial situation then you can apply for Support Services and depending on your circumstances, we can refer you to a qualified financial adviser to help you with:
- Managing your finances – Budgeting and Treatment costs
- Reducing your expenses – Living costs, Debt consolidation, Hardship programs
- Accessing funds – Apply for benefits, access Superannuation and Insurance
- Understanding the resources available to get more help
Submit a Leukaemia Foundation Application for Support Services
Legal support for carers
Power of Attorney: Planning ahead
If you or the person you’re caring for becomes too unwell to manage financial or legal matters, a power of attorney can help.
A power of attorney is a legal document where someone is chosen to make decisions on behalf of another person.
There are two main types:
- General power of attorney – only works while the person can still make decisions
- Enduring power of attorney – continues to work even if the person becomes unable to make decisions
Each state and territory have different rules on power of attorney:
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
Carer rights and Australian law
Carers have legal rights in Australia under the Carer Recognition Act 2010. This federal law recognises the role and value of carers. It says carers must be treated with respect and given the same rights as others.
Many states also have their own laws to protect carers’ rights. These laws may help you access services, make complaints or get recognition at work.
Working while caring
Being a carer doesn’t mean you have to stop working. You have legal rights to support you at work.
Flexible working arrangements
Under the Fair Work Act 2009, if you’ve worked for your employer for 12 months or more you have the right to ask for:
- Flexible hours
- Working from home
- Part-time arrangements
Your employer must seriously consider your request.
Leave entitlements
You may be able to take:
- Paid personal leave if you’re employed full-time or part-time
- Unpaid carer’s leave
- Extended leave, depending on your employer
You may also receive Carer Allowance during unpaid leave.
If you’re having problems at work or need advice, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.
More information
Caring can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. If you have questions about your rights or need help applying for support, please reach out to a:
- Social worker
- Financial counsellor
- Centrelink representative
- Legal aid service in your state
Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program providing free services and support for carers.
The Leukaemia Foundation Online Support Service has information for carers including:
Our healthcare professionals can help you (and the person you care for) to identify who can assist with different issues and how to contact them. For more information, please call 1800 620 420 (free call) or submit an Application for Support Services.
