Cancer Financial Support Available
Wig or headwear subsidies
Losing your hair during treatment can feel like losing a part of yourself. Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora offers a subsidy to help cover the cost of wigs, hairpieces, and headwear such as hats, turbans, and eyebrow wigs. A registered health practitioner will need to confirm your hair loss. You can ask your supplier to claim the subsidy for you, or pay upfront and be reimbursed. If costs exceed the subsidy, you’ll need to cover the difference.
Visit website or call 0800 855 066
Breast prosthesis subsidies
After breast surgery, having the right support can help you feel more like yourself again. Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora provides a subsidy to help cover the cost of breast prostheses and related products, including specialist bras, swimwear, and prosthetic nipples. If you are a New Zealand citizen or resident and your GP or specialist confirms your clinical need, you may be eligible. You can claim this support over time, and in many cases your supplier can arrange this for you, reducing the need to pay upfront.
Visit website or call 0800 855 066
Help with ongoing medical and treatment costs
Cancer can bring extra costs that quickly add up. The Disability Allowance from Work and Income is a weekly payment that can help with ongoing expenses caused by your condition. This may include GP visits, prescriptions, travel to treatment, or other necessary costs. You don’t need to be on a benefit to apply, but it is income tested, and your doctor will need to confirm both your condition and the ongoing costs related to it.
Visit website or call 0800 559 009
Help with housing costs
If your income has changed during treatment, help may be available with housing costs. The Accommodation Supplement from Work and Income can support you with rent, board, or the cost of owning your home. You may still qualify if you’re working, depending on your income and circumstances. It’s designed to ease some of the financial pressure so you can focus on what matters most right now.
Visit website or call 0800 559 009
Help to reduce healthcare costs
The Community Services Card can make everyday healthcare more affordable during and after treatment. Depending on your income, this card can reduce the cost of GP visits, prescriptions, and some after-hours care. You don’t need to be receiving a benefit to apply, and it can be a simple way to reduce ongoing expenses.
Help with travel to treatment
Getting to and from treatment can be tiring and expensive, especially if you need to travel often or over longer distances. The National Travel Assistance Scheme from Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora may help with travel and accommodation costs if you meet the distance and frequency criteria for specialist treatment.
The Cancer Society have a dedicated team of volunteers around the country to drive you to treatments if you are unable to drive, do not have your own transport, or do not have whānau or friends to take you.
Help with getting around day-to-day
Some days, even getting from A to B can feel like a lot. The Total Mobility Scheme, delivered through local councils, offers subsidised taxi transport if you’re unable to use public transport due to illness or treatment side effects. This can make it easier to attend appointments or manage daily life with a little less strain.
Help at home
If daily tasks are becoming harder to manage, support may be available to help you stay safe and comfortable at home. This can include home help, equipment, or small home modifications like handrails. Access is usually arranged through a needs assessment, often with support from your healthcare team, so you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Support for carers
Caring for someone with cancer can be both meaningful and demanding. The Carer Support Subsidy from Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora helps cover the cost of care while a carer takes a break. This can be used for respite care or to bring in someone to step in temporarily, helping carers rest and recharge when they need it.