A cancer diagnosis can bring unexpected financial burdens, including loss of income and out-of-pocket expenses. Our legal and financial support services connect individuals affected by cancer with free assistance to navigate legal matters, financial counselling, and financial planning – ensuring access to essential support without the added stress of cost.
To learn more or access these services, call our 13 11 20 Cancer Information and Support Line.
Financial counselling
What is a financial counsellor?
Financial counsellors provide a range of services to people who are experiencing financial hardship. They undertake a comprehensive review of the financial position to fully understand the circumstances, providing options and strategies to help plan a way out of debt. Financial counsellors often work with or on behalf of the client when dealing with creditors.
Financial counselling service
Cancer Council WA offers a free, confidential and independent service that can help people affected by cancer to:
- Understand which debts are priorities
- Develop budgets and money plans
- Understand the pros and cons of different options to manage financial issues
- Access grants or concessions
- Negotiate with creditors
- Assist to access dispute resolution services
- Understand their rights and access to legal help
Our financial counsellors have specific knowledge about credit, bankruptcy and debt collection laws, as well as concession frameworks and industry hardship practices. They are also trained in negotiation and informal counselling and offer emotional support and a listening ear when people really need it.
Pro Bono Program
Pro bono work is an integral part of being a lawyer and financial advice professional. It is an opportunity to exercise social responsibility, give back to the community, and contribute to reducing the stress and burden on those experiencing financial hardship.
People affected by cancer are matched to professional lawyers and financial advisers who volunteer their time and provide their services at no cost. The service is means tested and is provided at no cost for those who cannot afford to pay for the cost of advice.
Financial planning
Financial advisers in the Cancer Council WA Pro Bono Program offer advice to people affected by cancer in: .
- Early access to superannuation
- Access to insurance payments (attached to super and stand-alone policies)
- Advice on Centrelink entitlements
- Managing credit and debt issues
Financial advisers focus on assisting individuals and families in understanding their needs and achieving their financial goals. They offer general or personal advice, and are subject to strict regulation by Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
Legal advice
Lawyers in the Cancer Council WA Pro Bono program offer advice to people affected by cancer in:
- Wills
- Enduring Powers of Attorney
- Enduring Powers of Guardianship
- Employment and Workplace discrimination
Legal practitioners in the Cancer Council WA Pro Bono Program have fulfilled all the requirements to practice as a lawyer and have a current Practicing Certificate to offer legal services to the public in Western Australia. All current legal practitioners are listed on the Legal Practice Board, an independent statutory authority.
Pro Bono Program Enquiry
This form is for people affected by cancer and carers . If you are a health professional please complete the health professional referral form.
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