Financial assistance and other support for carers

Below you can find information about financial assistance and other types of support for carers.

I joined a tai chi class organised through the Carers Association and also attended their support workshops and relaxation sessions. I found the encouragement from other carers gave me the confidence boost I needed.

Isabella

Learn more about:

Financial assistance for carers
Support for carers

Financial assistance for carers

Caring for someone with cancer can cause financial difficulties. The Department of Human Services (Centrelink) supports carers with a range of payments. These include the Carer Payment and Carer Allowance. For more information about financial assistance for carers, and to check eligibility requirements, call 132 717 or visit their website.

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Support for carers

Being a carer can bring a sense of satisfaction, but it can also be challenging and stressful. It is important to look after your own physical and emotional wellbeing. Give yourself some time out and share your concerns with somebody neutral such as a counsellor or your doctor, or try calling Cancer Council 13 11 20. There is a wide range of support available to help you with your caring role.

Local support services – The Australian Government’s Carer Gateway provides practical information and resources for carers, and a service finder to help carers connect to local support services, including respite care. Call 1800 422 737 or visit carergateway.gov.au.

Respite options – Respite care is available to give you a break. Contact a Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre for information on local carer support services and respite options that may suit you. Call 1800 052 222 during business hours or call 1800 059 059 for emergency respite support outside business hours.

Cancer Council telephone support group – Cancer Council offers a national telephone support group for carers. It runs twice a month. For more information about how you can speak with other people in a carer role, call 13 11 20.

Carers Associations – Carers Australia works with the Carers Associations in each state and territory to provide information and services to carers. They also run local support groups and offer short- term counselling through the National Carer Counselling Program. Call 1800 242 636 or visit carersaustralia.com.au.

Young Carers – For information and support tailored for carers under 26, call 1800 242 636 or visit Young Carers Network.

Consumer advocacy

Advocacy means speaking out on behalf of others to achieve positive change. Cancer advocates lobby the government and key organisations to convince them to reduce cancer risks and improve services. Many people affected by cancer get involved with advocacy. For more information, call Cancer Council 13 11 20 or visit Cancer Voices Australia.

This information was last reviewed in June 2019. View who reviewed this content.

Toni Ashmore, Cancer and Ambulatory Services, Canberra Health Services, ACT; Baker McKenzie, Pro Bono Legal Adviser, NSW; Marion Bamblett, Acting Nurse Unit Manager, Cancer Centre, South Metropolitan Health Service, Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA; David Briggs, Consumer; Naomi Catchpole, Social Worker, Metro South Health, Princess Alexandra Hospital, QLD; Tarishi Desai, Legal Research Officer, McCabe Centre for Law and Cancer, VIC; Kathryn Dwan, Manager, Policy and Research, Health Care Consumers Association, ACT; Hayley Jones, Manager, Treatment and Supportive Care, McCabe Centre for Law and Cancer, VIC; Victoria Lear, Cancer Care Coordinator, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, QLD; Deb Roffe, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Michelle Smerdon, National Pro Bono Manager, Cancer Council NSW.

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