Financial considerations

A life-threatening illness or injury can have a significant impact on you and/or your family’s financial situation, plans and goals.

Financial changes may include:

• health-related expenses, such as medication, equipment and specialist fees
• costs related to transport, accommodation, child-care or complementary therapies
• loss of income
• difficulty with paying for debts and bills.

How your financial situation is impacted will depend on your individual circumstances.

Please note:

Not everything suggested here will apply to you or your circumstances – please contact relevant service providers to find out about your eligibility.

It is also recommended that you obtain independent support or advice from a financial counsellor, legal representative, social worker or other relevant service.

Cost of medication

Many medications used in end of life and palliative care are supported by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), which means that the Australian Government covers most of the cost. If you cannot afford your medication, talk to your doctor.

Most branded medication is also available through generic brands at a lower cost. Speak to your pharmacist about finding lower cost medication that has the same active ingredient.

You are entitled to extra discounts through the PBS if you hold any the following cards:

• Australian Seniors Health Card
• Health Care Card
• Pensioner Concession Card
• Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Gold, Orange or White Card.

Legal documents to consider

• Appoint a financial attorney on an enduring power of attorney form
• Complete a will

Workplace issues

• Will you be able to continue working?
• Will you need to take time off for treatment?
• Do you have sick/long service/carer leave?
• Are flexible working arrangements available?
• Do you require a medical certificate?

Insurance

Enquire with your employer or insurance company about:

• Income protection
• Mortgage protection
• Life insurance
• Trauma insurance

Superannuation

Enquire with your superannuation company/s about your eligibility for:

• Early release of superannuation
• Total and permanent disability payment
• Superannuation benefits for people with a terminal medical condition.

Transport assistance

You may be eligible for a range of services that assist with transportation:

• Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme—help with travel and accommodation costs. You may be eligible if and your carer need to travel more than 50km to access specialist treatment that are not available locally
• Queensland Taxi Subsidy Scheme
• Non–emergency medical transport
• Community transport options
• Royal Flying Doctors Service
• Disability parking permit scheme

Making ends meet while you are ill/injured

Education

• Apply to have your HECS/HELP debts deferred
• Ask to have your child’s school/child care fees waived, deferred or reduced

Utilities

You may be eligible for rent and/or utility support, including:

• Queensland Government rental grant
• Queensland Government bond loan
• National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS)
• rebate, concession or negotiate a payment arrangement on your electricity and gas bills
• rebate on your water bill through your local council
• concession entitlement, rebate or a payment plan on your council rates
• a payment arrangement for your telephone bill

Find information about concessions and rebates that can help ease cost of living pressures while you are unwell.

Debts

Enquire with your bank/lenders about:

• Reducing or pausing payments
• Changing to interest-only repayments
• Extending your loan term
• Re-negotiating your interest rate
• Applying for a hardship variation
• Asking creditors to write-off your debts

Australian Government support

Check your eligibility for:

• Sickness Allowance
• Disability Support Pension
• Concession and Health Care Card
• Rent Assistance
• Mobility Allowance
• Carer Allowance/Payment/Supplement

Find information about income support for patients and carers.

Financial services

The Services Australia offers a free, confidential Financial Information Service that provides education and information on financial issues.

Find out more about the Financial Information Service.

Medicare

• Reimbursement schemes for supplies such as breast prostheses, medical equipment, stoma accessories and continence aids
• Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme Safety Net Card
• Pharmaceutical Allowance

For more information visit www.servicesaustralia.gov.au