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Allowances and Benefits

Disability Support Pension or Carers Pension

Contact your local Centrelink Office - 13 2717
http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/disability_support.htm

http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/carer_allow_adult.htm

Mobility Allowance

Available to people over 16 years of age who are mostly unable to use Public Transport, and who are involved for more than 8 hours a week in paid employment, voluntary work and/or vocational training. Claim forms are available at Centrelink Offices.

http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/mob_eligible.htm

Social Security Cards

A Pensioner Concession Card is issued to people who receive a pension. A Health Care Card goes to people who receive a Mobility Allowance or a Child Disability Allowance.
http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/conc_cards_hcc.htm

 

GST Exemption on Cars

It is possible to gain a GST exemption when buying a new or second hand car if you are in paid employment. It is also possible to claim a GST exemption for car repair parts.

For information contact the Taxation Department on:
Phone: 132 866 and choose the GST voice recorded option or
Website: www.ato.gov.au

Stamp Duty exemption for Car Purchases

If you have a disability and require car modifications, you are able to receive a refund from the State Revenue Office for the cost of Stamp Duty on the purchase of a car or for modifications on a car, whichever is the lesser amount. You must fill in a Stat Dec form, obtainable from the Department.

Phone: 03 9628 6839 (and supply receipts for modification work completed)

Veteran's Affairs

A range of benefits are available for people whose disability is due to service in the armed forces. Contact the State Office of the Veterans Affairs on:
Phone 133 254
Website: www.dva.gov.au

Concession on Car Registration

If you have a Health Care Card, you are entitled to a concession fee for your car registration. Check the fine print on the registration form or contact Vicroads on:

Phone: 13 11 71 or
Website: www.vicroads.vic.gov.au

Victorian Aids and Equipment Program (formerly PADP)

This scheme provides full or partial funding subsidies for equipment, aids and home modifications. For example: ramps, bathroom equipment, pressure cushions. To qualify, you need to be a child or adult with a condition resulting from a permanent disability or frail aged, not receiving any form of compensation, not living in a nursing home, not receiving aids and equipment through other Government funded programs or compensation schemes. A range of equipment is covered, including wheelchairs and minor home alterations. VAEP centres are usually located in designated hospitals in your area.
Phone: 1800 650 172 to find the location of your local VAEP office or email: disability.services@dhs.vic.gov.au
 Website: www.dhs.vic.gov.au

CAPS (Continence Aids PaymentScheme)

This is for people who have permanent loss of bladder and or bowel function (that is incontinence) due directly to a permanent urological condition (such as paraplegia, quadriplegia, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson disease) or a permanent and severe intellectual impairment. To qualify you must be at least 16 years of age but not yet 65 years of age, or age 65 years and over and working paid employment at least 8 hours per week.

Further information about CAPS is available at www.bladderbowel.gov.au or to www.independenceaustralia.com/health-solutions.

Commonwealth Rehabilitation Service

This service offers help with employment, training, physiotherapy, counselling, stress management, pain management and independent living programs to people with disabilities being rehabilitated into the work force. It may be able to help with transport and accommodation or aids and alterations to your home or workplace. To be eligible, you should be between 14 and 65 years of age and have a disability, which prevents you from living as independently as you would like. There are local offices across Victoria. There is a central office for people with spinal cord injury and similar disabilities:

Phone: 1800 277 277. Website: www.crsaustralia.gov.au