Centrelink

The Carer's Allowance is a fortnightly payment of $106.70 to assist carers looking after a child or an adult with a severe disability and/or medical condition which requires much additional attention. The application needs to be signed by a GP and is not assets tested or means tested. Carer's receiving the Carer's Allowance are also paid a yearly bonus of $1000, and are sometimes singled out for other one off payments such as the Australian Government stimulus package payment of $900 in 2009.

Centrelink also administers the Carer's Payment which is similar to a pension and is both assets and income tested. For more information about Centrelink payments go to: http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/individuals/carer_index.htm

If you are eligible for either a Carer Allowance or Carer Payment you can apply for a Health Care Card which entitles the individual with autism to cheaper PBS medicines, bulk billing and some other concessions. For more information go to: http://www.centrelink.gov.au/internet/internet.nsf/payments/conc_cards_hcc.htm. Many venues will offer free entry to carer's accompanying Health Care Card holders, such as the Royal Easter Show and Oceanworld. Utility companies may offer discounts or rebates to holders of Health Care cards also.