Government assistance
The Australian Government Department of Human Services and Centrelink oversee a variety of allowances including ones that specifically relate to parenting and disability.
A brief summary of key allowances are presented below. However more detailed information can be obtained by visiting the Centrelink website or contacting Centrelink directly to discuss your specific circumstances and determine eligibility.
www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/dhs/centrelink
Carer Allowance
The Carer Allowance is a supplementary payment that may be available if you are the parent or carer of a child aged under 16 years of age with a disability or medical condition. If you receive a Carer Allowance payment your child will be provided with a Health Care Card. If you receive the Carer Allowance you may also be eligible for additional payments such as the Carer Supplement and Disability Assistance payment.
www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/carer-allowance
Carer Payment
The Carer payment is an additional payment for parents/carers who have a profoundly disabled child aged under 16 years of age. This payment is asset and income tested and is generally paid when the primary carer is unable to return to work and the child requires full-time high level care.
www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/carer-payment
Mobility Allowance
As your child reaches 16 years of age and starts receiving payments themselves, he or she may be eligible for the mobility allowance. This is provided to young people if they cannot use public transport due to their disability and in education, training or employment.
www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/mobility-allowance
Pensioner Education Supplement
People who receive Centrelink payments such as the Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension or Parenting Payment (single) are eligible for a Pensioner Education Supplement. This supplement helps students with the on-going cost of part-time or full-time study.
www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/services/centrelink/pensioner-education-supplement
Family Payments
A number of means-tested income family payments (eg. family Tax Allowance, Parenting Payment, Child Care Payment, Baby Bonus, Parental Leave Pay, School Kids Bonus) are available to parents or guardians to assist with the costs of raising children.
