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What is disability and parenting support?

If you are caring for a child with a disability, there is support available to you. This page will help you find and get the right support for your family.

The government support you get depends on where you live. Some support is for everyone in Australia. Other support is provided by state and territory governments.

National Disability Insurance Scheme

The supports children with disabilities and their families.

The aim is to help your child in their daily life from a very early age. This will help them reach their goals and reduce the impact of their disability for the future.

The NDIS is available across Australia. You can check whether your child is at the .

Other financial support

There are also government support payments available to help if you care for a child with a disability.

Payments for carers

Most financial support services are coordinated by . You may be eligible to receive:

• — a payment if you give constant care to someone who has a disability.
• — a fortnightly payment if you give daily care to someone who has a disability.
• — a yearly payment for each child who qualifies you for Carer Allowance.

There are a range of other payments for . Visit the website for more information.

Financial support for health care

Medicare helps Australians with the cost of health care. You can find out at Services Australia.

You can get extra financial support through the . When you spend over a certain amount on medical costs in one calendar year, you get a higher amount back from Medicare.

You may also be eligible for a . This gives discounts on prescription medicines. It may also give you concession prices on things like public transport and utility bills.

Respite care

You may be able to get respite care. If you need emergency respite, call on 1800 422 737.

Support in your state or territory

There are other health and support services available. These depend on which state or territory you live in. For example, they may pay for aids and equipment to help improve your child's quality of life.

• Australian Capital Territory —
• New South Wales —
• Northern Territory —
• Queensland —
• South Australia —
• Tasmania —
• Victoria —
• Western Australia —

Other resources and support

You can visit the to find and access disability services across Australia.

Non-profit and charity support services

helps families of children who have a disability or developmental delay to find services. They can help families navigate the service system. It's a good starting point to find out about what services are available to you.

provides support, information and resources. These aim to support siblings and families of children who have a disability, chronic disease or mental illness.

is the national peak body representing playgroups. They can help you find a playgroup that will suit your child's needs.

Parent support groups

There are many parent support groups. can provide you with information and other resources about parenting and caring for children with a disability.

Carers networks

is a national online and phone service providing practical information, support and useful resources for carers. or call 1800 422 737.

represents the interests of over 2 million carers in Australia. For more information about carers and care options for your family, .

Call ÌÇÐijöÆ·, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 o°ù video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.