Finances

For some people epilepsy can cause a financial strain. Medications may be expensive, employment may be difficult to obtain or maintain, and transport and medical tests can be expensive.

However, there is help available and it is important for the individual to know where to get help. Centrelink Officers (free call 13 10 21 for an appointment or www.centrelink.com.au) are trained to provide services to people who have a disability. They can:

• link you to disability employment assistance,
• advise on medical eligibility for disability and carer- related payments,
• refer to other disability and carer organisations that can help you with non-work related issues.

Payments that may be available to you include a Disability Support Pension or Sickness Allowance for people over 21 if they temporarily cannot work (say they have just experienced their first seizures and need some time off while they commence medication). Carers may be eligible for a Carer Payment and in some cases a Carer Allowance.

Furthermore there is the Health Care Card or a Pensioner Concession Card.
Supplementary payments are available to people who qualify and these include:

• Rent Assistance
• Pensioner Education Supplement
• Pharmaceutical Safety Net and a
• Mobility Allowance and
• Remote Area Allowance

A Mobility Allowance is available if you are over 16 years of age and have a disability. To qualify you are not able to use public transport without extra help and you must be working, or looking for work, volunteering or training or a combination of these for at least eight hours per week. Further information is available from Centrelink phone 13 27 17. This assistance is available even if there is no public transport in your area. Information about alternative sources of transport is available through either the Community Health Centre or local council in your area.

Departments that manage health, family and community services are another source of help for transport costs. There is limited transport help available for people living in isolated areas, to access medical specialists and in some circumstances that may extend to accommodation. Contact your local government to find out who can help.

It is important to be prepared to actively seek the help to which you may be entitled and not be disheartened by early negativity. Learn how to be resilient and assertive. If you do need support, our educators are available on 1300 EPILEPSY (1300 37 45 37).

1300 EPILEPSY (1300 37 45 37)
Australia-Wide Priority Call