Access support payments for a child with a lung condition: How to guide

Accessing support payments for a child with a lung condition can be a complex and, at times, even bewildering journey. Throughout the process you may face administrative challenges and barriers. You may also find there is limited understanding of your child’s condition, your needs and the options for financial support payments.

It’s important to maintain a close connection to your multidisciplinary team who will need to provide information when you apply for support payments for a child with a lung condition. Try to surround yourself with a strong support network of peers, family and friends.

Please note the following information is provided as a guide only based on information available in June 2021. Your individual circumstances may affect your eligibility for support payments.

Centrelink support payments for child with a lung condition

If you’re caring for a child younger than 16, you may qualify for Carer Payment or Carer Allowance.

The criteria is based around whether your child’s illness or disability is rated as “intense” on the Disability Care Load Assessment (Child) Determination.

You as the carer and your child’s treating professional (doctor or registered nurse) will need to fill out an Assessment of Care Load (ACL) questionnaire covering behaviour, functional ability and special care needs.

Your child needs to be likely to have the illness for at least 12 months, plus need care either at home or hospital. Payments are means tested and the combined family income must be below $250,000.

Centrelink support payments for a child with a lung condition include:

• Carer Payment: for situations where the care needs prevent you from accessing substantial paid employment.
• Carer Allowance: your child requires additional support but your employment is not impacted.
• Carer Adjustment: a one-off payment up to $10,000 if your child is under seven. This payment is design to cover sudden (severe) medical illness which results in financial distress. To qualify, you must not be eligible for Carer Payment but receiving Carer Allowance.   
• Essential Medical Equipment Payment: these payments (just over $150 annually) are to assist you with energy bills for running medical equipment or medically-required heating/cooling.

You can review or appeal decisions made based on your application.

NDIS support payments for a child with a lung condition

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has a narrow definition of qualification, which is based on “significant impairment”. You will need to complete an Access Request form (call 1800 800 110 for any questions) and a Supporting Evidence form. To do this, you will need input from your child’s treating doctor or specialist.

Eligibility is determined by:

• Whether your child’s impairment is considered permanent
• If a funding package from NDIS will increase their community participation.

The key consideration is how a NDIS plan will address the impact of impairment on communication, social interaction, learning, mobility, self-care and self-management.

Similar to Centrelink, there is an appeal process which can go as far as an Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

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