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 Once you reach a Medicare expenditure threshold you may become eligible for the the Medicare Safety Net to cover things like out-of-hospital visits or tests such as:
- GP /Specialist consultations
- Blood tests
- CT scans , x-rays or ultrasounds
- Pap smears
- Psychiatry
- Radiotherapy
- Tissue biopsies
For annual thresh-holds and eligibility see: www.humanservices.gov.au
Do You or the person you care for have fines?
The NSW State Deb Recovery Office (SDRO) administers the Work and Development Orders (WDO). WDOs are open to clients who:
- Have a mental illness
- Have an intellectual disability or cognitive impairment
- Have a serious addiction to drugs, alcohol or illicit substances
- Are homeless, or
- Are experiencing acute economic hardship
Through the scheme, clients engage with WDO approved organisations that will help the person to pay off their fines by participating in the following activities:
- Volunteer Work
- Educational Courses
- Case Management Programs
- Counselling (various types such as financial; parenting, anger management, psychology etc.)
- Drug and Alcohol Treatment Programs
- Mental Health Treatment Programs
- Mentoring Programs (clients under 25 years of age)
For more information on the scheme go to: www.revenue.nsw.gov.au/fines
Do You need essential household items but can't seem to find the money?
The No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) provides micro-financing to people who are on low incomes, including self-funded retirees, or people receiving Centrelink benefits or hold a health care card.
Loans are lent for essential household items such as furniture, fridges, washers but also for other needs subject to eligibility and ability to repay the loan. There are various non-government organisations in SWS that manage the scheme.
For more information or to find a local provider go to: www.goodshepherdmicrofinance.org.au
You may qualify for the Carer Payment, Carer Allowance or Carer Supplement
The Department of Social Services provides financial support for carers based on eligibility criteria. A person who receives a Carer Payment for a child may automatically be entitled to a Carer Allowance. Carer Payment is a pension and therefore cannot be paid in addition to another income support payment, such as Age Pension, Rent Assistance, Newstart Allowance or Parenting Payment. However, the person may be entitled to other payments such as Family Tax Benefit, health care card, continence aids or essential medical equipment payment.
To find out more information on what you can apply for as a carer, including eligibility criteria, contact the Department of Human Services For Disability, Sickness and Carers payments: Call 132 717 or www.humanservices.gov.au
If you are aged 60 and over, you can apply for the NSW Seniors Card Discount Card
Seniors Card is a free government program that gives members access to the Gold Opal transport concessions as well as discounts from thousands of participating businesses. The Directory is no longer delivered to households by direct mail.
Instead seniors can pick up a copy from participating Australia post outlets, local councils and libraries, local Member of Parliament offices and community centres. The Directory is also available to download on the NSW Seniors Card website.
Seniors Card eligibility:
- Aged 60 or over
- A permanent resident of NSW
- Working 20 hours or less per week, averaged over a year
Visit the NSW Seniors Card website to apply for a card
If you are experiencing a crisis and need material or financial assistance
The Salvos provide Emergency relief support to people in crisis. To find out if you qualify, contact the Salvos Emergency Relief assessment Team on 1300 371 288 (9am-5pm Monday to Friday) www.salvos.org.au or your local neighbourhood or community centre.
If you need assistance with managing a debt or debts
The National Debt Helpline can provide you with information on how to access free financial counselling from a registered organisation in your local area. Free call 1800 007 007 www.ndh.org.au
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