Pro Bono Program

A cancer diagnosis may mean a loss of income, on top of many out of pocket costs that may not be covered by insurance. Our Pro Bono Program helps people affected by cancer access free legal, financial, small business accounting and workplace assistance, where they would be otherwise unable to do so due to cost, illness or other barriers.

We do not provide advice directly. We connect people affected by cancer with a volunteer professional in the community who will provide advice and assistance. Usually, people will meet professionals at their office, however, assistance may be provided via video, phone and email where needed.

If you speak a language other than English, we can arrange a telephone interpreter for you.

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Legal referral service

Lawyers involved in the Cancer Council Pro Bono Program may be able to assist with:

• wills, powers of attorney and enduring guardianship
• superannuation and insurance disputes
• employment law and discrimination
• credit and debt matters
• centrelink disputes
• tenancy law.

Financial planning referral service

Financial planners involved in the Cancer Council Pro Bono Program may be able to assist you with:

• accessing superannuation and insurance
• advice in relation to debt management
• eligibility and accessing Centrelink payments
• transitioning to retirement and managing lump sum payments.

Workplace referral service

HR professionals provide advice to people affected by cancer on employment issues and rights before, during and after treatment.

For people affected by cancer who are employed, HR professionals can provide information and advice on the following:

• Disclosure of a cancer diagnosis and confidentiality obligations
• Flexible working arrangements entitlements
• Leave and payment of salary during sickness leave
• Managing expectations of employers and colleagues
• Discrimination at work

For people who would like to return to work following a cancer diagnosis or caring for a person affected by cancer, HR professionals can provide advice on the following:

• Strategies when looking for work, including obligations to tell a new employer about past cancer
• How to explain the gap in a CV due to your treatment when applying for a job
• Preparing and reviewing a CV and interview techniques

Small business referral service

Small business accountants can provide advice and assistance to small business owners on how to manage their business during treatment. They may be able to assist with:

• bookkeeping, BAS lodgement and management of business debts
• managing disruption to business during treatment
• strategies to improve business performance
• preparing a business for sale/winding up.

Accessing these services

To find out more about these services, please call our 13 11 20. For a translator, call 13 14 50.

You can also speak to a social worker at your treatment centre and they can refer you.