You may be eligible for services and supports, financial assistance or other benefits if you have MND or are caring for a person with MND.
Services to support people at home may be subsidised by the Federal Government. A range of services can be provided and may include access to; respite, counselling, cleaning, personal care, support coordination, assistive technology and leisure and recreational activities.
There are two areas of entry that require eligibility to be mete to receive subsidised services:
1. National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) – for people aged under 65 years
2. My Aged Care – for people aged 65 years or older
(Under 65) National Disability Insurance Scheme(NDIS)
The NDIS is available to Australian citizens and permanent residents under the age of 65 who have a permanent or significant disability. It provides individualised funding to be used to meet needs that arise because of a disability such as Allied Health therapies, personal care, mobility aids and home modifications. The scheme is not means tested. Access must be requested before turning 65. NDIS will provide funding for as long as supports are needed. More information on the NDIS can be provided by your MND Advisor or via the website (link below).
Phone: 1800 800 110
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(Over 65) My Aged Care
My Aged Care (MAC) is the entry point to services for older people aged 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people). The types of care available includes the Community Home Support Program, Home Care Packages and residential aged care.
There are four levels of Home Care Packages aimed at people over 64 who have a variety of care needs and whose needs are changing. An Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT), or similar, must first assess the person’s needs and establish their eligibility.
MND Advisors can assist with MAC referrals and follow up. They are also able to provide information and training to aged care providers and residential aged care facilities.
Phone 1800 200 422
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Carer Gateway
Carer Gateway aims to make your life easier. By calling Carer Gateway, you will be connected with a new Australia-wide network of Carer Gateway service providers. They will talk through what you need and help you to find local services and support to help you.
Phone 1800 422 737
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Carers Queensland
Carers QLD support carers through the provision of information, education, training, advocacy, counselling and other support services that may assist them in their caring role. They also raise awareness about the role of carers amongst the wider community. Services which may be of interest include the Carer Advisory Service, which provides information and referral and the National Carer Counselling Service.
Phone 1800 242 636
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Carer Business Discount Card
Provides discounts on goods and services from participating businesses for carers who receive the carers payment or carers allowance from Centrelink.
Phone 13 74 68
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Centrelink
Centrelink delivers a range of payments and services to the Australian public during times of change. Payments which may be of relevance to people with MND and/or their carer include;
Disability Support Pension
Provides Income support for people who have an intellectual, physical or psychiatric condition that prevents them from working. This payment is income and assets tested. In most cases your doctor will need to complete a section of the application form in order to establish medical history and the limitations caused by your illness.
Carer Payment
Provides income support for individuals who are unable to work as a result of the care they provide to someone with a disability, who is frail aged or suffers from a chronic medical condition. This payment is income and asset tested and subject to an assessment of care needs.
Carer Payment
Provides income support for individuals who are unable to work as a result of the care they provide to someone with a disability, who is frail aged or suffers from a chronic medical condition. This payment is income and asset tested and subject to an assessment of care needs.
Carer Allowance
A smaller, supplementary payment for carers which is not income tested and may be paid either as a single supplement or in addition to other payments including Carer Payment and the Aged Pension.
Bereavement Allowance
This payment is provided to an individual whose partner has died. It is income and assets tested.
Low Income Health Care Card and Pensioner Concession Card
Enables the card holder to access subsidised prescription medications and other concessions in the community such as transport. This benefit is Income but not asset tested.
Mobility Allowance
For those able to continue employment or volunteer work, mobility allowance may be able to assist with the cost of transport. To be eligible, the individual must work for more than 8 hours a week and have a level of disability that precludes the use of public transport. The allowance is not subject to income and asset tests.
Essential Medical Equipment Payment
An annual payment to people who are experiencing increased home energy costs associated with the use of essential medical equipment such as an electric wheelchair or airbed vibrator. Those who require additional heating or cooling as a direct result of their medical condition may also qualify for this payment. To be eligible, applicants must be a Centrelink or DVA concession card holder and be able to provide evidence of the equipment or condition being claimed.
Phone 132 717
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Companion Card
Supports people with a disability who require the significant assistance of a companion to participate in community activities and events by allowing their companion to attend free of charge. To be eligible for the card, the individual with a disability must require significant assistance with mobility, self-care, communication or learning, whereby the use of aid or equipment do not allow the individual to complete these tasks independently. Application forms are available via the website or your MND Regional Advisor.
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Other Support Services
Department of Veterans' Affairs
Provides a range of services, specialised equipment and benefits to eligible veterans, current and former serving members and their families.
Phone 133 254
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Life circle
Life circle can provide telephone counselling by qualified counsellors and also match you with a volunteer mentor who has had personal experience caring for a loved one at end of life.
Phone 1300 364 673
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PalAssist - Palliative Care Support and Advice
A phone, email and webchat service that provides information, support and advice about palliative care across Queensland. It is a free service for anyone who has a life-limiting illness or condition, and/or their families and carers (subject to any costs that may be imposed by a client’s telephone service provider for 1800 number calls). The service is available 7am-7pm, seven days per week.
Phone 1800 772 273
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Taxi Subsidy Scheme
Provides half price taxi travel for people who are unable to use public transport because of a qualifying severe and permanent disability such as motor neurone disease. The application form needs to be completed by the person with motor neurone disease or carer as well as your GP or specialist medical practitioner. The scheme operates in all areas throughout Queensland.
Phone 1300 134 755
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Carer Help
The Australian Government has funded two CarerHelp projects. The first project, CarerHelp Project, ran between 2017 and 2020 established the CarerHelp website after a review of the evidence, scanning for Australian resources and interviews with carers.
The second CarerHelp Diversity project will run between 2020 and 2023. As well as maintaining the CarerHelp website, the primary aim of the funding is to ensure that CarerHelp is accessible and able to reach a diverse population of Australian family carers.
Phone 08 7221 8233
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Caresearch
The CareSearch Project consolidates online palliative care knowledge for health professionals, people needing palliative care and their families, and for the general community. The project is responsible for two major websites, the CareSearch website and the palliAGED website. The CareSearch Project also works closely with a number of other projects to maximise impact within the sector.
Phone 08 7221 8233
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Palliative Care Queensland
PCQ was established in 1988 and is a membership-based organisation, supporting the individuals, families, carers, community members, as well as specialist and generalist health care professionals working with Queenslanders experiencing serious illness, dying, death and grief. Collectively, the PCQ membership body holds tremendous knowledge and wisdom about the challenges the sector faces and the opportunities those challenges can bring. PCQ is a founding member of Palliative Care Australia.
Phone 07 3842 3242
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Palliative Care Equipment Program
The MASS Palliative Care Equipment Program is a program administered on behalf of the Department of Health under the Care in the Right Setting (CaRs) initiative.
The program aims to support eligible Queenslanders of all ages with a palliative condition and approaching their end stage of life to remain in their home environment by providing assistance through supply or loan of the following aids and equipment for up to 6 months.
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