Carer’s Allowance: Fortnightly payment available for eligible families through Centrelink. Also provides Health Care Card for your child. Contact Centrelink directly.
Enhanced Primary Care Package: Allows eligible children to access Medicare Rebates (47.85 per session) for private therapy (speech therapy, occupational therapy, Physiotherapy) of up to 5 sessions per year in total. Contact your General Practitioner who completes the care plan. The program is for people who have a “chronic” condition likely to impact over 6 months. Developmental delays should fit into this category. As G.P.’s must write a care plan, please book a double appointment with them.
Better Access to Mental Health Plan: Allows for Medicare Rebates on up to 6 sessions of allied health (occupational therapy, social work or psychology – not speech therapy). This is specific for particular conditions categorized under mental health – including anxiety, ADHD etc. so speak with your General Practitioner regrading elgibility. The therapist you consult must meet certain registration requirements (e.g. OTs must be registered as a Mental Health provider with Medicare).
Flexible Support Packages: This provides funding for resources to enhance the outcomes for children with additional needs. To see if you are eligible, you can check the website:
http://www.scopevic.org.au/therapy_earlychildhood_ecisfsp.html or you can contact the provider directly-Jacqui Schnider, Flexible Support Package Coordinator at SCOPE ph: 9561.1233
Helping Children with Autism Package: Federal funding provides Medicare Rebates for assessment and packages of funding for additional therapy for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. These include
- 4 sessions for assessment (until 13 years of age)
- 20 sessions for treatment by allied health professionals (up until 15 years of age)
- $6 000 a year for additional early intervention in the 2 years prior to school entry. This must be provided by a registered provider. Contact Amaze for details. This package needs to be coordinated by a paediatrician or psychiatrist.