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- How will my income be affected?
How will my income be affected?
The way that cancer affects your income will depend on your situation. You may work on a casual, part-time or full-time basis, be self-employed, be looking for work, or work from home. Or you may be retired and living on a pension, income from investments or your superannuation payments.
Time off work
Cancer may mean a loss of income if you or your carer must take time off work. If you are working, ask your doctor how much time off you are likely to need. Many people who want to keep working during treatment can do so in some capacity.
Leave
Check with your employer about leave entitlements and flexible working arrangements. If you have a partner or carer, they can ask their employer to confirm their leave entitlements – they may be able to take carer’s leave or unpaid leave to look after you and/or your children, if you have any. If you are self-employed, you may need to find some other sources of income.
Insurance
If you have disability or income protection insurance, you may be able to receive a portion of your income while you are unable to work. You might have taken out a policy yourself, or it could have been included with your superannuation or provided by your employer.
Learn more about managing your working life after a cancer diagnosis.
My income was reduced when I cut back my working hours, but I was able to scrape by. I saved up some money during my paid sick leave.
Sarah
Podcast: Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis
Listen to more of our podcast for people affected by cancer
More resources
Rania Tannous, Head of Legal, Corporate, Legal and Governance, AMP; Patricia Troll, Senior Legal Counsel, AMP Financial Services Legal, Legal and Governance, AMP; Lynette Brailey, Program Coordinator, Financial Assistance Service, Cancer Council NSW; Stephen Bray, Financial Planner, FM Financial, TAS; Angela Daly, Senior Social Worker, Cancer Services, The Adem Crosby Centre, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, QLD; Sandra Hodge, Consumer; Sandi Johnson, Consumer; Antony Mitchell, Financial Counsellor, Financial Counselling Program, Cancer Council VIC; Lucy Pollerd, Social Worker, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Heather Richards, Consumer; Deb Roffe, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA.
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Work and cancer
Information for employees, employers and workplaces dealing with cancer
Cancer information
Dealing with the diagnosis
Common reactions to a cancer diagnosis and how to find hope
Making decisions about work and cancer
What to consider and expect regarding work after a cancer diagnosis