Ted is aged 45 years and has multiple sclerosis. His health has declined markedly over the last few months and he can no longer work at all. Ted can no longer move independently, and requires assistance with all self-care. Ted’s wife Rima is aged 44 years, and earns about $100 each week working from home. Ted and Rima‘s son, Luke, is aged sixteen years and has just left school. He is planning to enrol in a TAFE course. The family have been living on their savings, but these have almost disappeared. Ted was self-employed and does not have any superannuation or income insurance.
What Centrelink entitlements could the family members claim?
- Disability Support Pension
- Newstart Allowance or Carers Payment
- Carer Allowance
- Youth Allowance.
Ted may satisfy the requirements for Disability Support Pension because he is unable to work for fifteen hours or more a week. Rima can claim Newstart but the Participation requirements may be difficult for her to meet, so she should consider claiming Carer Payment and Carer Allowance. Luke can claim Youth Allowance provided he meets Participation requirements, eg enrolling in TAFE. If Ted had superannuation he may have been able to access this on compassionate grounds. (See Helping Families Get Ahead).
