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, work from home or be self-employed. 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 need to take time off work. If you are working, ask your doctor how much time off you may need. Many people can continue working during treatment, although having some time off for treatment and recovery is common

Leave

Talk with your employer about leave entitlements and flexible working arrangements. The types of leave you may be able to take include paid sick leave, annual leave, long service leave, and unpaid leave.

If you have a partner or carer, they can speak with their employer about 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 income protection insurance (also called salary continuance 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.

Download our fact sheets on Insurance and Superannuation.

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

→ READ MORE: How do I manage my finances?

Podcast: Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis

Listen to more of our podcast for people affected by cancer