Centrelink

Q: I have been diagnosed with HD and can no longer work. Can I apply for a Centrelink payment?

A: Yes you can. With a diagnosis of HD this entitles you to apply for the disability support pension. Your doctor or HD specialist will be required to complete part of this form.

Q: I have tested gene positive. Am I entitled to a disability support pension?

A: No, you are not entitled to a disability support pension. Only people diagnosed with HD i.e. people who have developed symptoms are eligible for the Disability Support Pension.

Q: I am currently living in an SRS (Supported Residential Service). I have been told that I am not able to get rent assistance. Is this true?

A: No this is false. Whilst living in an SRS you are entitled to claim rent assistance as long as you are paying more than a threshold amount of approximately $100 per fortnight for rent.

Q: I am currently caring full time for someone with HD however they will be out of my care for 3-4 weeks in respite. Will this affect my carer’s payment?

A: No it will not. The Federal Government allows for carers to have 63 overnight stays respite each calendar year without this affecting their payments. A break less than 24hrs however is not considered respite by Centrelink definition and therefore will not be included as part of your 63 days. Centrelink require you to inform them of any overnight respite greater than 24hrs (e.g. week long stay in respite).

Q: Does a hospital admission count as part of 63 days respite? 

A: Fortunately not. If the person you are caring for enters hospital temporarily for reasons other than respite (i.e expectation to return home to your care) then this is not included as part of your 63 overnight stays of respite for the calendar year. See Carer Payment and Carer Allowance fact sheet for further information

Q: I am currently receiving Carer Payment. Am I entitled to other payments such as the Age Pension or Parenting Payments?

A:  Unfortunately you are not entitled to receive another income support payment; however you may be entitled to Carer Allowance or Family Tax Benefit.

Q: I keep hearing the terms Carer Payment and Carer Allowance. Are they the same?

A: No they are not. Carer Payment is your income support, meaning that due to being a carer you cannot participate substantially in the workforce. In order to receive Carer Payment you must not be accessing any other income support pensions. The Carer Payment is also income and assets tested. 

Alternatively Carer Allowance is an income supplement which is free from income and asset testing and paid to people who provide daily care to those with a disability. Carer Allowance can be paid in addition to wages or other payments e.g. Carer Payment.