Entitlements

AutismAwareness.com.au is proud to be an advisory member of the Federal Government's Autism Advisory Group. The group meet regularly to discuss the new funding which was promised prior to the election last year and will be implemented by the new federal Labor government. We will keep members posted as more information comes to hand.

The following information is a summary of the findings presented by Dr James Best and author Seana Smith at our Autism Awareness Expo in May 2007. The speech was titled, 'Your Entitlements... and Cutting Costs of Autism'. Some listed 'Family Entitlements' may no longer be current with the changing of Federal Government.

Seana Smith and Benison O'Reilly are the authors of the new book the 'Australian Autism Handbook' which was published in May 2008.

Medicare Safety Net

Read about the Medicare Safety Net at http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/public/services/msn/index.shtml

In-home Childcare services

NSW In-home care offers child care in the child's home by an approved carer. It is targeted to families who have no existing access to childcare services.
www.inhomechildcare.com.au

I recommend calling the telephone numbers and having a chat about it.

Respite

Commonwealth Carer Respite Centres may be called on 1800 059 059. They will put you in contact with your local service (only short-term / emergency service). They can also give you information regarding other services you may be eligible for.
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/ageing-carers-respcent.htm

Commonwealth Carelink Centre

This is another source of information. Freecall 1800 052 222 or go to the website and click on Search for Services. I searched respite in my area and found a huge list… although needed to trawl through it.
www.commcarelink.health.gov.au

Medical Expenses Tax Rebate

Taxpayers may claim a 20% rebate on their medical expenses over the first $1,500.

This is the ATO web link: http://www.ato.gov.au/content.asp?doc=/content/Individuals/19181.htm

Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) referrals

These are referrals from your GP to an allied health professional such as a physiotherapist, occupational therapist or speech therapist. These referrals used to be called a 'Care Plan' and are now known as GP Management Plans (GPMP) if less than 3 health professionals are involved; or Team Care Arrangements (TCA) if 3 or more health professionals are involved. You also need an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) referral form prepared by your GP. This is to be signed by the allied health care professional you see and taken to Medicare for the rebate.

Medicare allows up to 5 EPC rebates per calendar year x $46.80 = $230 p/a.

Psychologist referrals

Your GP can refer you to a psychologist. He or she needs to prepare a GP Mental Health care plan (item no. 2710). If this is done, you do not need to take any forms to the psychologist, just pay them as per usual. Medicare will rebate up to 12 visits to a psychologist per year x $75 (psychologist) or $115 (clinical psychologist) per visit.

A review by the GP is necessary after the first 6 visits to continue receiving the Medicare rebate.

Carer's Allowance

This is administered by Centrelink and assists Carers looking after a child or an adult with a severe disability and/or medical condition which requires much additional attention – Autism included. This payment is $94.00 per fortnight.
http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/carer_allow_adult.htm

Health Care Card

The Health Care Card may entitle the holder to significant discounts on visits to the doctor (bulk billing) / filling scripts at the pharmacy and entertainment venues (e.g. Easter Show, Sea World).
http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/conc_cards_hcc.htm

Carer's Payment is income and assets tested, similar to a full pension and difficult to qualify for. This factsheet provides a summary of the qualifications, payment rates and income/assets test for Disability Support Pension, Sickness Allowance, Carer Payment, Carer Allowance and Mobility Allowance. The information and rates in this factsheet are effective from 1 January 2008.
http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/ea3b9a1335df87bcca2569890008040e/83ac32aa9cba252aca
2573a9001a2100!OpenDocument

Special Disability Trust

DADHC NSW - Family Assistance Fund

Read about this at http://www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au/dadhc/People+with+a+disability/Services+for+families.htm