Healthcare costs

If you have to visit a health practitioner (e.g. a doctor) because of a health condition or disability that will last longer than 6 months, we may be able to help pay for this with a Disability Allowance

If you or a family member need to go to a health practitioner (e.g. a doctor),  and you can't cover their fees, we may be able to help with a Special Needs Grant.

If you have to pay for prescriptions because of a health condition or disability you have that will last longer than 6 months, we may be able to help cover them with the Disability Allowance

If you or a family member can't cover your prescription costs, we may be able to help with a Special Needs Grant.

This is only for prescriptions that are unsubsidised or partially subsidised. Fully subsidised prescriptions from public health providers are free.

If you and your family have received and been charged for 20 subsidised prescription items before the end of the pharmaceutical year (February 1 to January 31 the next year), you may be able to get free prescriptions for the rest of that year. It's easier to manage this if you go to one pharmacy.

We may be able to help with the cost of travelling to your health practitioner, eg, your doctor. You don't have to be on a benefit to get this help.

You won't have to pay the money back.

Children under 13 may be able to get free visits to their health practitioner, eg, their doctor, and may not be charged the standard $5 pharmacy charge for each prescription item.

A Community Services Card can help with the costs of healthcare. You'll pay less for some health services simply by showing your card.

Most people who are on a benefit automatically get one of these cards. If you're not on a benefit, you can apply for one.

We may be able to help with the cost of emergency medical treatment, eg doctor's fees, prescription charges or hospital care.

Call us to discuss your situation.