A brief summary of key allowances are presented below. However, more detailed information can be obtained by visiting the websites or contacting these government departments. This will enable you to discuss your specific circumstances and determine eligibility.
Disability Support Pension
The Disability Support Pension provides financial assistance to people who have a permanent physical, intellectual or psychiatric condition that stops them from working. Eligibility information can be found on the DHS website.
Sickness Allowance
The Sickness Allowance is an income support payment if you can’t work or study for a while because of illness, injury or disability. Eligibility information can be found on the DHS website.
Carer Payment
The Carer payment provides financial help to people who are unable to work in substantial paid employment because they provide full-time care for someone with a severe disability or medical condition, or someone who is frail aged. A child under the age Eligibility information can be found on the DHS website.
Carer Allowance
The Carer Allowance is an income supplement payment that may be available if you are the parent or carer of a child or adult who has a severe disability or medical condition, or someone who is frail aged. Uncontrolled epilepsy in children under the age of 16 years is listed as a condition that automatically qualifies a parent or carer for the Carer Allowance. Eligibility information can be found on the DHS website.
Mobility Allowance
A regular payment to help with essential travel costs for work (paid or voluntary), study or looking for work if you have a disability, illness or injury that means you can’t use public transport. Eligibility information can be found on the DHS website.
Concession and Health Care Cards
Concession and health care cards can give you concessions that make it less expensive when you use certain health care services, or buy prescription medicines. Your eligibility for these depends on your individual circumstances. There are different types of concession and health care cards.
Chronic Disease Management Plan
If you’ve had a chronic medical condition, such as epilepsy, for at least 6 months you and your GP can agree to a Chronic Disease Management Plan. Your GP can develop a plan that will identify your health care needs, sets out the services your GP provides, and lists what you need to do
If you have complex care needs in addition to a chronic condition, your GP may also develop Team Care Arrangements (TCA). This identifies the treatment you get from your GP and at least 2 other health professionals.
If you’re eligible and your GP prepares the plan, you may also get Medicare benefits for specific allied health services (e.g. physiotherapy, psychology services).
Talk to your doctor to find out more about the plans and visit the DHS website for more information.
Better Access Initiative
The Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule (Better Access) initiative aims to improve outcomes for people with a clinically diagnosed mental disorder through evidence based treatment.
Under this initiative, Medicare rebates are available to patients for selected mental health services provided by general practitioners (GPs), psychiatrists, psychologists (clinical and registered) and eligible social workers and occupational therapists.
The Better Access initiative is available to patients with an assessed mental disorder who would benefit from a structured approach to the management of their treatment needs.
For more information speak to your doctor or visit the Department of Health website.