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Financial & Community Support

CFWA Subsidies

CFWA subsidies are available to people in our community who need financial support. All CFWA subsidies are reliant on ongoing funding and may close before year-end if funds are exhausted. Our subsidies run each calendar year, and any reimbursements will only be available for purchases made within that year.

Thanks to Health Dept WA, Channel 7 Telethon Trust, Golf Classic participants, WA Charity Direct, CBA and all our fundraisers and supporters for enabling us to provide subsidies to the WA community.

CFWA Adult Support Subsidies 2024

We have a range of subsides available for adults with CF who need financial support.

All subsidies are reimbursed upon proof of payment or proof of hospital attendance. Subsidies will be processed within 14 days.

Please get in touch with Paula if you need to clarify what documents are required or require assistance with a subsidy claim. Contact Paula at paula.wallace@cfwa.org.au or on 08 6224 4100. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your individual needs.

Adult Support Subsidy (16+ years)

Our Adult Support Subsidy for 2024 allows you to access up to $600 per calendar year (claimed quarterly or as one lump sum) for the following expenses:

  • Gym/PT or exercise/sporting fees to support airway clearance
  • CF related pharmaceutical expenses (includes PPE and glucose monitoring sensors)
  • Exercise or physio equipment (e.g exercise bike, weights, nebuliser accessories. This does not include sporting apparel, shoes or technology, e.g. iPads, fitness trackers)
  • Mental health out of pocket expenses for counselling sessions
  • 2024 CF Conference registration

We require proof of membership and/or payment before we can reimburse your subsidy. Please upload your supporting documentation with your application.

To apply for the Adult Support Subsidy, please click here.

Adult Travel and Parking

In addition to the Adult Support Subsidy, we can also assist with travel and parking for CF clinic respiratory appointments and hospital admissions.

Metro: We provide a flat rate of $25 for adults who live in the Perth metro or outer metro area and are attending a CF clinic appointment or hospital admission. (we are unable to provide a subsidy for pharmaceutical pick ups only)

Regional: For adults who live in the Peel, South West, Mid West, Wheatbelt, Kimberley, Great Southern, Pilbara, Gascoyne or Goldfields region we provide the following subsidy:

  • Up to 150km from hospital $50
  • More than 150km from hospital $100
  • Distance travelled is measured by Google maps.

We require proof of attendance before we can reimburse your subsidy. Please upload your supporting documentation (appointment/admission letter/text/email) with your application.

To apply for the Adult Travel & Parking Subsidy, please click here.

Diabetes Sensor Subsidy

Thanks to generous funding from the Golf Classic committee, we can offer financial assistance towards the cost of diabetes sensors for those in financial need who do not receive assistance from NDSS. This reimbursement subsidy, can provide up to $500 pa. There are a limited number of subsidies available.

To apply for the Diabetes Sensor Subsidy, please click here.

Mental Health Out of Pocket Expenses for Carers

Carers of an adult with CF (including parents, siblings, partners and offspring) who are accessing counselling and other mental health support, can receive up to $50 per session, to a maximum of 10 sessions per annum per family, to assist with any excess fees not covered by Medicare or private health insurance.

We require proof of expense before we can reimburse your subsidy. Please upload your supporting documentation with your application.

To apply for the Mental Health Out of Pocket Expenses for Carers Subsidy, please click here.

Transition Support Subsidy

Our new transition support subsidy, helps young people with the cost of attending hospital appointments or admissions by providing $50 per visit, for the first two visits to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. This subsidy will be paid directly to the young person with CF with proof of attendance.

To apply for the Transition Support Subsidy, please click here.

CFWA Family Support Subsidies 2024

CFWA subsidies are available for families of a child with CF who need financial support.

All subsidies are reimbursed upon proof of payment or proof of hospital attendance. Subsidies will be processed within 14 days.

Please get in touch with Paula if you need to clarify what documents are required or if you require assistance with a subsidy claim. Contact Paula at paula.wallace@cfwa.org.au or on 08 6224 4100.

Family Support Subsidy

Our Family Support Subsidy for 2024 allows you to access up to $300 per child with CF per annum. You are able to choose any combination of the following expenses:

  • Sporting fees (children under 16 may be eligible for Kidsport subsidy)
  • CF related pharmaceuticals (now including PPE)
  • Physio or exercise equipment (e.g nebulisers, bicycle, trampoline. This does not include sporting apparel shoes or technology, e.g. iPads, fitness trackers)
  • 2024 CF Conference registration

We require proof of payment before we can reimburse your subsidy. Please upload your supporting documentation with your application.

To apply for the Family Support Subsidy, please click here.

Regional Travel and Parking

In addition to the Family Support Subsidy, we can also assist with travel and parking for CF respiratory clinic appointments and hospital admissions for regional families. For families that live in the Peel, South West, Mid West, Wheatbelt, Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, Goldfields or Great Southern region we provide the following subsidy:

  • Up to 150km from hospital $100
  • More than 151km from hospital $150
  • Distance travelled is measured by Google maps

We require proof of attendance before we can reimburse your subsidy. Please upload your supporting documentation (appointment/admission letter/text/email) with your application. (We are unable to provide travel subsidies for pharmaceutical pickups only.)

To apply for the Regional Travel & Parking Subsidy, please click here.

Metro Travel and Parking

We can provide a flat rate of $25 for families who live in the Perth metro or outer metro area and are attending a CF respiratory clinic appointment or hospital admission. This is to assist with travel and parking costs.

We require proof of attendance before we can reimburse your subsidy. Please upload your supporting documentation (appointment/admission letter/text/email) with your application. (We are unable to provide travel subsidies for pharmaceutical pickups only.)

To apply for the Metro Travel & Parking Subsidy, please click here.

Transition Support Subsidy

Our new transition support subsidy helps young people with the cost of attending hospital appointments or admissions by providing $50 per visit, for the first two visits to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. This subsidy will be paid directly to the young person with CF with proof of attendance.

To apply for the Transition Support Subsidy, please click here.

Mental Health Out of Pocket Expenses for Carers

Carers of a child with CF (including parents and siblings) who are accessing counselling and other mental health support, can receive up to $50 per session, to a maximum of 10 sessions per annum per family, to assist with any excess fees not covered by Medicare or private health insurance.

We require proof of expense before we can reimburse your subsidy. Please upload your supporting documentation with your application.

To apply for the Mental Health Out of Pocket Expenses for Carers Subsidy, please click here.

Third-Party Support

CENTRELINK

Centrelink provide a broad range of allowances which you may be eligible to access:

Carers

  • Carer Allowance: Carers of a child with CF who meet an income test and are an Australian resident, can apply for the carers allowance. If your child is under 16 years, this also entitles you to a health care card. When your child turns 16 you will still be eligible if they are continuing studying or doing an apprenticeship. You may also be eligible for this allowance if you are caring for an adult with CF.
  • Carer Payment: An income tested benefit, the recipient must reach a qualifying score to determine eligibility.
  • Carer Supplement: An annual $600 payment for recipients of Carer Allowance or Carer Payment for each person supported.
  • Carer Adjustment Payment: If there are exceptional circumstances and extreme hardship you may be eligible for the Carer Adjustment Payment which allows a one-off payment of up to $10,000. Families with a child who has CF will not automatically qualify, there must be other difficult adjustment issues.

Disability

  • Disability Support Pension (DSP): You need to be over 16 years and over, and not able to work more than 15 hours per week. To assess your eligibility for DSP, a report from your treating doctor or specialist on your disability, injury or illness is required.
  • Sickness Allowance: Assists if you are employed, including self-employment, and you are temporarily unable to work because of a medical condition.
  • Essential Medical Equipment Payment: An annual payment which assists with extra costs associated with essential medical equipment such as home ventilators, oxygen concentrator and nebulisers.
  • Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme Safety Net (PBS): The PBS Safety Net provides discounted prescriptions once you have reached the threshold.

Employment & Study

  • Mobility Allowance: Assists people with a chronic health condition who are working and cannot use public transport without substantial assistance or concerns about infection control. It’s not income or asset.
  • JobSeeker Payment (22 years plus): JobSeeker Payment provides financial support while you are looking for work. It’s also for when you’re sick or injured and can’t do your usual work or study for a short time.
  • Youth Allowance (16-24 years): Can assist if you are a young person who is studying, undertaking training or an Australian Apprenticeship, looking for work or living away from home.
  • Special Benefit: A payment if you’re not eligible for any other income support and are in severe financial hardship.
  • Austudy: Provides financial help if you are aged 25 years or more and are studying or undertaking an Australian Apprenticeship full-time.

All information on Centrelink allowances, benefits and concession cards can be found on their website.

CONCESSION CARDS

  • Centrelink: Centrelink has two main types of concession cards, Health Care Card and the Pensioner Concession Card. Concessions may include a reduction on many bills, including medical bills and pharmaceuticals.
  • Companion Card: Issued by National Disability Services to people with a significant permanent disability who require a care support person or a companion.
  • Student Edge: Provides discounts for retail and online products. They also have lots of information on budgeting, managing finances and getting a job.

EDUCATION

  • Ronald McDonald Learning Program: provides a variety of educational support services to children whose education has been significantly disrupted by serious illness or injury. The RMLP caters to children from Kindergarten to Year 12 and is available for metropolitan and regional families. Students are allocated a total of 40 hours of tutoring that can be used consecutively or divided up across the years.
  • Variety Heart Scholarships: Available to WA children, aged 6 to 17 who live with either disability, disadvantage, or a long term health condition, and are striving to achieve excellence in fields of the arts, sport, or academics. The scholarship provides practical support in funding tuition, equipment, competition fees and more.

EXTERNAL TRAVEL SUBSIDIES

  • Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS): If you live more than 100kms from hospital, PATS can provide assistance towards travel expenses and accommodation where eligible.
  • Transperth Concession Smart Rider: A concession card which can be obtained by anyone who holds a valid concession entitlement. Concession cardholders are also entitled to free travel during certain times.
  • ACROD Parking Program: To be eligible you must have a severe mobility impairment where walking more than 50m causes your physical condition to deteriorate and close proximity parking is required.
  • Taxi Users’ Subsidy Scheme (TUSS): TUSS provides taxi travel at a reduced rate for people who have a severe permanent disability that will always prevent them using a conventional public transport bus service.

INDEPENDENT LIVING

  • Centrelink Rent Assistance: Available to people who receive Centrelink benefits, including those who receive more than the base rate of family tax benefit (Part A), and pay private rent above minimum thresholds.
  • INDIGO: They work with people to select and access devices and equipment to maintain or restore functionality, so they can remain independent at home and active in the community.

CONTINENCE FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Most people with incontinence use continence products such as pads, catheters or bedding protection to manage their condition. Some people require these products on a long-term basis, which can become very expensive. For more information visit the Continence Foundation of Australia website or contact a continence nurse advisor at the National Continence Helpline on 1800 330 066.

HARDSHIP UTILITY GRANT SCHEME (HUGS)

HUGS are run by WA’s Department for Child Protection. HUGS are a State Government scheme which provides financial assistance to help people with financial difficulties pay their water, gas and electricity bills so their supply is not cut off. For more information visit the HUGS website.

DENTAL CARE

If you are in possession of a current Health Care Card, you are eligible for emergency and general dental care at the basic rate of subsidy. For more information visit the Dental Health Services website or call 08 9313 0555.

DEBT SUPPORT

Community Support Agencies

There are a number of aid agencies available to assist with food, emergency accommodation, clothing, counselling and family support.

  • Anglicare WA– Offer financial assistance, counselling, housing support, family support and much more.
  • Carers WA– Offer support and information for those in a caring role. Support may include carer events and retreats, home support, education sessions and more.
  • Crisis Care- 24 hour crisis information and counselling.
  • Foodbank– Foodbank provide food for individuals in need. CFWA are a registered Foodbank charity partner and can provide a referral. Please get in touch on services@cfwa.org.au if you need assistance.
  • Hidden Disabilities Sunflower– The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple tool for you to voluntarily share that you have a disability or condition that may not be immediately apparent – and that you may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time in shops, at work, on transport, or in public spaces.
  • Kiind (formerly Kalparrin)- Based at PCH, Kiind offer a range of services for families, including in-hospital support, peer support, and support programs to connect carers.
  • Lifeline– 24 hour crisis support.
  • Men’s Domestic Violence Helpline
  • Ronald McDonald House Charity– Provide vital programs for families with seriously ill children, including accommodation at the RMHC houses, hospital family rooms, family retreats and the learning program to assist children who have missed school due to illness.
  • Salvation Army– Offer a range of services to support individuals, including homelessness support, family and domestic violence, youth support and much more.
  • Vinnies– Offer a home visitation service, and can help with food vouchers, clothing through their stores, furniture (excludes white goods), transport through smart riders or fuel vouchers, assistance with utility bill payments, housing and financial counselling.
  • Wanslea– Wanslea provide a range of support for families including parenting support, childcare support, housing support, mental health programs and early childhood support for children with developmental delays.
  • Wider Communities Food Relief– For families experiencing food insecurity, Wider Communities Food Relief are a community based group who, with the help of volunteers, collect and distribute food that would normally be destined for landfill to anyone in need in the wider community.
  • Women’s Domestic Violence Helpline 
  • Youth Focus– Offer counselling, vocational support and resources for parents of young people needing mental health support

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