When illness stops the work, deal with creditors early

The danger is the silence

Illness can stop you from being on site, but it does not stop tax, rent or supplier due dates. If you already know a payment will be missed, contact the key creditor before the due date and say what has happened. The ATO says to call before you cannot pay by the due date. ([ato.gov.au](https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/paying-the-ato/if-you-don-t-pay?anchor=Strongeraction1&utm_source=openai))

You do not need a full explanation or a perfect forecast. A short call, then a confirming email, is enough to show the account has not been abandoned. Keep a note of who you spoke to, when you called, and what was said. That record becomes useful if the conversation needs to continue later. ([ato.gov.au](https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/paying-the-ato/if-you-don-t-pay?anchor=Strongeraction1&utm_source=openai))

Ask for hardship, not silence

Once you have made contact, ask what hardship options are available. The ATO says businesses may be able to set up payment plans, and genuine hardship can open extra options, including deferred due dates. Other creditors may offer smaller instalments, a pause or revised terms if you ask early, before the file hardens. ([ato.gov.au](https://www.ato.gov.au/api/public/content/0-fe8e0a8d-144c-4063-b156-8dcb8d9d16d2?utm_source=openai))

Keep the request simple: what is owed, what you can pay now, and when the next payment is likely. If the numbers are still moving, say so. A realistic proposal is easier to assess than a vague promise, and it gives the creditor something concrete to work with while you recover. ([ato.gov.au](https://www.ato.gov.au/api/public/content/0-fe8e0a8d-144c-4063-b156-8dcb8d9d16d2?utm_source=openai))

Source: Official guidance

Put someone in charge

If you are the only person who can answer the phone, approve payments or speak to the bank, the business is more fragile than it looks. Business.gov.au says a succession plan should include the key information someone needs to take over suddenly, and workforce planning should cover roles currently done by the owner. ([business.gov.au](https://business.gov.au/planning/business-plans/develop-your-succession-plan?utm_source=openai))

Choose one trusted person and give them a short written brief: who to call, which bills come first, where the bank details live, and what they are allowed to approve. You are not handing over the whole business forever. You are creating enough continuity to keep the lights on while you focus on getting better. ([business.gov.au](https://business.gov.au/planning/business-plans/develop-your-succession-plan?utm_source=openai))

Check whether insurance can help

Illness can also trigger a personal income problem, not just a business one. Business.gov.au says income protection can cover part of your income if you cannot work because of sickness or an accident. Review the policy terms now, not after a payment fails, and check whether a claim will help bridge the gap. ([business.gov.au](https://business.gov.au/risk-management/insurance/types-of-business-insurance?utm_source=openai))

Check the waiting period, exclusions, claim steps and the insured amount. If the cover is unclear, speak to the insurer or broker and keep copies of premiums and policy notes. Insurance rarely fixes everything, but a clear claim path can buy time while you and your adviser steady the business. ([business.gov.au](https://business.gov.au/risk-management/insurance/types-of-business-insurance?utm_source=openai))

Make the next 48 hours orderly

Today, list the creditors that must hear from you, the payments that cannot slip, and the person who can step in while you are offline. Then send the first calls and emails. If tax debts are involved, or if you are behind on lodgements or super, treat those deadlines as urgent and respond in writing. ([ato.gov.au](https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/paying-the-ato/if-you-don-t-pay?anchor=Strongeraction1&utm_source=openai))

If you need help sorting the order, CRP can help you plan turnaround support and connect you with independent qualified professionals. Call CRP today about turnaround support. This is general information only and not legal, financial or insurance advice. It is designed to help you decide what to tackle first, not to replace tailored advice.