The child's function is assessed below certain standards for his or her age level. You complete an application and your child's Treating Doctor also completes a form. If your child does not automatically qualify then it is important the the Treating Doctor knows your child well. It may be necessary to make an appointment with the Treating Doctor to complete the form together. A child may be away from home for respite periods totalling 63 days per year before payment is affected.
Contact Centrelink for current details of eligibility.
The Health Care Card is issued in the child's name and may only be used for this child's direct benefit - for example, it can be used to obtain concessions on prescriptions, dental care and eye examinations for the child. Health Care Cards are also issued to people and families on low incomes. The carer need not live with the person being cared for or in an adjacent home - but must be providing constant care. A person receiving Carer Payment can temporarily cease providing care for up to 63 days per year - eg. for periods of respite or hospitalisation. A person receiving Carer Payment is able to cease care for up to 20 hours per week to undertake training, education or other employment.