For people with a chronic health condition - especially kidney disease
See also our Families and Carers and Home Dialysis for financial subsidies available.
Australian Home Dialysis Patient - Financial Support
Patients on home dialysis treatment may be eligible for financial assistance for costs related to, but not exclusive to, electricity and water. More at www.homedialysis.org.au
Essential Medical Equipment Payment
An annual $140 payment to people who experience additional increases in home energy costs from the use of essential medical equipment to manage their disability or medical condition. This payment must be claimed, and payments will be available from 1 July 2012. This applies to you if you run a Home Dialysis machine in your home. See more here at Clean Energy Future - Q&A> and Centrelink - Essential Medical Equipment Payment
NEED FINANCIAL SUPPORT, PHYSICAL OR EMOTIONAL ASSISTANCE?
You may be able to claim disability benefits from your Super or Insurance. Our fact sheets below may help answer questions. Also refer Medicare - Your Health
Early access to preserved superannuation funds
You may be able to access your preserved superannuation If you have a chronic disease, especially CKD are on dialysis and are under financial stress, under some circumstances:
- if you have been on Centrelink payments for at least 6 months and can't pay living expenses (up to $10,000 per annum)
- if you're over retirement age (55-60) and on Centrelink payments for nine months (all your super)
- if you need money to pay for palliative care, funeral expenses, modifications to your home or car, or medical and transport expenses for treatment outside the public health system, for you or a dependant
- if you need funds to cover loan repayments to prevent sale of your home (up to 3 month repayments plus 12 month interest)
- if permanently incapacitated for work (you can get all of your Super)
- if preserved amount is up to $200
- if a temporary resident and permanently leave Australia (you can get all of your Super)
Total and permanent disability benefits
To get a TPD lump sum you need to prove you can not return to your usual job, or other suitable work that fits your education, training or experience. You don't have to be unfit for any work at all e.g. if you have only ever done manual work and can't do this work now, it won't matter if doctors say you could do office work. If you lose the use of your arms, legs or eyes, you may qualify for a TPD benefit even if you can still work. There is a six month qualifying period, but this can be reduced. Many people with disability will qualify for a TPD benefit, as will many on disability support pensions.
What are superannuation disability benefits?
Most superannuation policies include disability benefits. Superannuation disability benefits are total and permanent disability (TPD) lump sums, or disability pensions, or both. They are usually insurance benefits that 'top up' the contributions in your fund if you have to stop work.
It's important to get advice from experts
Disability claims can be complicated and take time, but it's important you find out about your rights. There are also time limits for appeals to the courts. It's important to get help from an experienced lawyer before making a claim or appeal.
Free Super and Insurance Advice Service - for people with kidney disease and others with chronic conditions. Fact Sheets below are only a general guide to legal, superannuation and financial issues and not a substitute for professional advice. Kidney Health Australia acknowledges contributions of John Berrill from Maurice Blackburn Lawyers developing this information. Call 1800 810 812 - Maurice Blackburn Lawyers www.mauriceblackburn.com.au
AUSTRALIAN FAMILY AND CARER FINANCE AND SUPPORT SERVICES
Australian Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS) state information
Isolated Patient Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS)
Patients traveling to city for treatment may be eligible for a government scheme to provide financial support for travel and accommodation. Patients may be unaware of eligibility for this support.
Patients should be advised they may need to claim in advance in some states. In some states, support is available for family members and some states also have patient accommodation available through the cancer organisations or hospitals at reduced cost. A list of available resources can be obtained from each State and Territory cancer organisation or local hospital.
Dialysis Transport Information booklets
These transport information booklets detail the options that should be available in your State, to assist you in attending your local dialysis clinic. You may need to use a combination of services. Please talk to your local dialysis clinic if unable to find a transport solution.
Dialysis Transport Support - ACT update January 13
Dialysis Transport Support - New South Wales
Dialysis Transport Support - Queensland
Dialysis Transport Support - Sth Australia update January 13
Dialysis Transport Support - Tasmania
Dialysis Transport Support - Victoria
Dialysis Transport Support - Western Australia
Carers Payment and Allowances
Current restrictions include: the person cared for must meet certain criteria and scoring, based on support for activities of daily living. The Carers Payment - which is income support for carers who cannot undertake substantial employment is means tested, it allows 63 respite days per year.
Helpful links: Centrelink administer various support payments and carer payments and supplements - see link or call 132 717.
Crisis and special help - Illness or Disability - We speak your language - Carer Adjustment Payment
Need support to retrain for a new career?
Useful financial and general resources:
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Australian Health Consumer Covers issues including health financing, privacy, patient safety, quality use of medicines, clinical standards and general practice.
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Switchwise Comparison calculator for electricity suppliers - cheapest energy provider in your State.
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WorkWelfareWills Chronic Illness Alliance - plain English guide to legal issues on health and life changes when living with chronic illness in Australia, inc Centrelink entitlements etc.
Medicare Australia - 132 011 to locate a Medicare office
TTY 1800 552 152 for hearing/speech impaired - 131 450 for interpreting service
Private Health and Chronic Disease
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Private Health (Aust Govt site) compare health insurance policies or call 1300 737 299 9 to 5pm
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Private Nursing - Professional nursing services are available to care for someone at home for a fee (to locate contact details for these services, look under Social Work in the Yellow Pages or look online.
UPDATED 23 MAY 2013
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