NEW $1,000 ANNUAL PAYMENT TO FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
The Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock MP said today that families in his constituency caring for a child with a disability will benefit from a new $1,000 annual payment, following Parliamentary approval of the measure.
"Following Parliament’s endorsement today, the first payment to eligible families receiving Carer Allowance for a child under 16 years will be provided in October this year, with future payments made annually on July 1,” Mr Ruddock said.
Families will be able to use this annual payment for anything that helps, whether that be the purchase of a wheelchair, installing equipment in the family home, modifying the family car or purchasing respite care or therapy services.
Most importantly, this payment will be provided every year, so people caring for a child with disability will have certainty of knowing this additional support is coming each and every year. Constituents qualified for Care Allowance (Child) on July 1 this year will receive the payment, with July 1 being the eligibility date for the payment in future years.
“It is a major challenge for any family to face raising a child with disability,” Philip Ruddock said.
“The new annual Child Disability Assistance payment will help young disabled people, their families and carers provide the things they need to help them face this challenge.”
Further information is available from the Disability Assistance Inquiry Line on 1800 101 888 and TTY: 1800 260 402 or at the following website: