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Resources: CentreLink Benefits

Centrelink delivers a wide range of services to families. Parents of children with HLHS and other severe medical conditions may  be entitled to the assistance from this Commonwealth agency.

The tables below detail a number of benefits that 'HLHS families' may be entitled to. Completing application forms and dealing with bureaucracy at a time when your child is ill and undergoing surgeries is probably the last thing parents need but it is important to apply as soon as you can. Fortunately, the RCH Social Work department has regular dealings with CentreLink in relation to these benefits and can assist parents with this.

	Carer Allowance
	A person may get Carer Allowance if they look after a child with a disability or severe medical condition who requires a lot of additional care or attention in their own home.* Children born with HLHS DO meet the medical criteria to be entitled to this allowance.
	*	Apply for Carer Allowance even if your child is in hospital as claims in relation to HLHS babies undergoing palliative surgeries can be approved under the hospitalisation provisions of the Social Security Act.
	Carer Allowance is a non-taxable payment of $87.70 per fortnight (effective from 20 September 2003) This payment  is NOT subject to an income or an assets test.
		You may be get back payment of Carer Allowance for up to 12 months prior to the lodgement of the claim. Call the Centrelink Disability, Sickness and Carers line on 13 2717 to get more information about back payments.

	Health Care Card
	Recipients of Carer Allowance automatically get a Health Care Card. If for some reason your Carer Allowance claim is rejected you may still be entitled to a Health Care Card.
		The card entitles you to reduced cost medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme as well as a limited number of concessions from state and local government authorities. Health Care Card concessions vary from state to state but may include reductions in: health care costs (ambulance, dental care and eye care) public transport costs; water rates and energy/electricity bills.

	Carer Payment
	It is much more difficult to have a claim for Carer Payment approved. Apart from it being Income and Assets tested, Centerlink has strict guidelines as to what constitutes a "profound disability or medical condition".
	Families with HLHS children may be eligible for this benefit even if it is only for a limited period. e.g. Most HLHS babies  meet Centrelink's definition of "having a severe medical condition" while they are in hospital undergoing surgeries. If you are providing constant care during this period and meet asset/income requirements, your claim should be approved.
	It is important to make your claim as soon as possible as this payment is NOT backdated.
		You may get Carer Payment if you provide constant care, in the home of the person under care, to: a child under the age of 16 with a profound disability or medical condition you meet the income and assets tests. Important: You need a doctor's or health professional's   report to help establish eligibility.

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