Accessing super for treatment

@melclarity, I feel for you it's so sad to hear how we are struggling financially. Our prognosis is bad enough and dealing with all the emotional stuff that comes with it. I don't know wish someone could help us all sort this ongoing , frustrating situation. Take care Shazx 

@iserbrown thanks Christine! It really is impacting for so many of us on so many levels. 

@ShazS it would be nice if there were a way. Ive touched on this in regards to centrelink.  There is sickness benefits but ridiculous to access. There  needs to be a government payment available for all people with such illnesses for a designated amount of time and not taxed!!!! So frustrated i lose most of my income protection in double tax due to working 3 days because i cant survive.  It defeats the whole purpose of it. Uuugh x

Yes it's sad state of affairs our super funds of again we have worked hard paid into and now when we most need it they won't budge. Unreal is there anything we can all together maybe get the federal government to change the ruling on our polices? When one is struck with Breast Cancer shouldn't matter what stage we have excess to our money. Which is giving me a headache as money should be the least of our thoughts but as most of us we all have the usual bills coming in unreal.Shazx

The user and all related content has been deleted.

@melclarity
Thanks for your post on this emotive topic. When we're given the diagnosis and treatment it's not clear what the long term is all about.  It's not just our physical health and well-being but the long term impact and distress that comes from losing financial security wearing down our savings et cetera 
Sad that you have to reconsider your work environment so you can make ends meet.
Wishing you well with your future job prospects. 
Take care sending you a virtual hug from Christine xx 

Yes this has been a rigorous debate LOL. I think as @scooper is on the disability pension is a different scenario in terms of accessing super and plus diagnosis at stage 4. It's dependent on alot of things and you really need to check with your Super Fund. I was Stage 2 Grade 3 and couldnt access mine unless it was unpreserved funds which are my contributions. I could only access if I were terminal, extreme financial hardship. I have an inbuilt component of Income Protection THANK GOODNESS!!! so has helped alleviate things a little the past 2yrs. BUT Ive had to work 3 days at least as its not enough to survive. I have no choice from January when it ceases to work full time...whether I can physically or not is irrelevant in the system. Ive had to fund myself the cost financially due to unable to work has been horrendous. xx Melinda xo

Hi again. Just wanted to say I have no issues at all with the apprenticeship loan or the hecs loans for students I think they are both a great idea I have a son who is an apprentice carpenter who can access it if he wants but hasn’t had too. That’s not the point I was making. I’m just saying there could be a similar loan put in place for people in our situation. That’s all. And if you don’t have a job or have never had one hence no super or sick pay then there’s no issues with getting support I know it’s tough for those solely on those payments as it’s not much for some others like single mums with a tonne of kids earn more than I do on Centrelink the lucky buggers but if you work hard your whole life there’s no help from the government when youve paid tax every week and need a hand that’s all I’m saying. Margie xx

None of us asked or wanted cancer but as Margie said why is no help for us of whom our Super seem to be so igorant of our illness and help. To those who there super has been great that's wonderful news why can't all Supers be compassionate and help out without all the third degree bullshit. Should only need a Drs letter and release your super we worked paid our taxes now we need the money to help out its a drama to get your own money why!!! Shazx

I sense the frustration but good on those that have been able to unlock a component in their superannuation.

Some don't have a job hence no super, sick pay, long service et cetera

As to apprentices I think it is a great thing that they can get a loan to get tools to help with their trade.  Like the word suggests it's a loan that needs to be repaid and it is limited each year
https://www.atq.com.au/blog/apprenticeship-trade-support-loan/

The user and all related content has been deleted.