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Financial Support

Having a child with very high needs often means you become a full-time carer with reduced earning capacity yet increased expenses.

MAP OF AUST

ACT

Call Carer Advisory Service on 1800 242 636* from anywhere in the ACT for personalised and confidential advice on financial benefits and supports. See WA for types of supports available and for grant application tips.

NSW

NT

Contact Carer Advisory Service on 1800 242 636 for personalised and confidential advice on financial benefits and supports.
See WA for types of supports available and for grant application tips.

QLD

Contact Carer Advisory Service on 1800 242 636 for personalised and confidential advice on financial benefits and supports.
See WA for types of supports available and for grant application tips.

SA

Contact Carer Advisory Service on 1800 242 636 for personalised and confidential advice on financial benefits and supports.
See WA for types of supports available and for grant application tips.

TAS

Contact Carer Advisory Service on 1800 242 636 for personalised and confidential advice on financial benefits and supports.
See WA for types of supports available and for grant application tips.

VIC

Contact Carer Advisory Service on 1800 242 636 for personalised and confidential advice on financial benefits and supports.
See WA for types of supports available and for grant application tips.

WA 

We have put this page together to assist you access financial supports from various sources:

Government Allowances 

Government Allowances – Non-Means Tested 

  • Carer’s Allowance - $100 a fortnight
  • Conveyence Allowance – (transportation allowance for those living a significant distance from educational institution) mileage paid per distance travelled/bus fare
  • Combined Aplication Process (CAP) Intensive Family Support – Funding for families with significant need. This can be a substantial grant up to $60K per annum. Our family faced cancer, CP (child who couldn’t walk, talk, eat, dress without carer), Shingles and a Newborn and still waited 12mths before receiving this assistance. It’s a fantastic support but be prepared to wait.
  • Maternity Immunisation Allowance
  • Education – Teacher’s Aide & Equipment Funding within Schools contact Department of Education for more info
  • RUCSN – Equipment & Access Aids for assisting children in child care settings
  • CAEP Basic & Essential Equipment Funding - funds seating, standing, mobility, communication, toileting, bathing equipment for those with permanent disabilities
  • CAEP Basic & Essential Home Modifications Funding funds modifications that are essential to enable independent living and access for those with permanent disabilities.

Government Allowances – Means Tested 

Concessions 

  • Health Care Card in child’s name – huge discounts on pharmaceuticals
  • Utilities Allowance
  • Telephone Allowance
    Also you can notify your phone service provider if your child has a life-threatening condition, to ensure that you have priority service.
  • Companion Card – allows companion/carer of people with profound disabilities free entry into a variety of events
  • Airline Concessions- many airlines offer carer reduced/no cost fees when accompanying person with significant needs. Qantas concession.

Tax Benefits 

Private Organisation Funding 

If you are a member of private associations like The Centre for Cerebral Palsy you may be entitled to Cash Conversion Allowances, Respite Allowances, Fundraising for Equipment. Speak to your association to find out what supports they offer.

Charitable Grants 

Note: check tax law with your accountant/financial advisor, as you may need to pay tax on income received through grants!

Click here to see Scope Fundraising Checklist and Grant Application Tips.

  • TCCP Equipment Fundraising – Members of TCCP are encouraged to raise funds through this program as a first port of call. Going elsewhere first can negatively impact the organization and its other members. Contact Katy Kane.
  • Variety WA – view the “How We Help” page to see how Variety may assist your child’s equipment, education, healthcare and other needs.
  • Lotteries WA – can offer grants to organizations, however not individuals
  • Equipment for Living Grants (ILC) – equipment grants for WA individuals with disabilities
  • AABIC – can offer small grants to children who have sustained a brain injury
  • Make A Difference Foundation – offer grants to individuals in need and organizations that support people with disabilities
  • Starlight Foundation – grants escapes, wishes & more visit programs page
  • Make A Wish Foundation – grants wishes to children diagnosed with life-threatening conditions
  • Daily Telegraph – email to submit your story. The daily telegraph can assist by publishing this and attracting potential donors.
  • Mal Atwell Indoor Leisure Group – hosts bingos and events for charitable organizations and may assist individuals
  • Better Life Foundation WA – provides assistive equipment grants to individuals with spinal cord injuries
  • Wesley Mission Perth
  • Rotary Club

Private Fund Raising 

To legally fund raise you must have an ABN and obtain DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient Status) from the ATO. You can also obtain TCCC income tax exemptions.

This can be both time-consuming and hard work and suggest that you utilise other avenues or approach organizations with DGR to raise funds on your behalf.

If all other avenues fail and you wish to raise funds privately, we have attached some Fundraising & Grant Application Tips to assist your success.

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