Loans, Grants and Benefits for People with a Disability

Australia’s government provides a number of federal and state-run programs that offer loans, grants and benefits for those that are disabled. Some programs are designed specifically for those that are disabled, while other programs can be used by disabled individuals but are meant for anyone who meets their criteria of eligibility.

Understand the Difference
Before you go looking into different programs that may be able to help you out, understanding the difference between the three major types of support programs will help you choose the right one for your situation; or all three.

Benefits
First, there are government benefit programs that offer a continued stipend for those with a disability, low income family, job seeker or other situation that the government of Australia awards with monetary support. These programs often require a means test, certain eligibility requirements and are limited in their financial support and length. Depending on your disability and age, you will most likely qualify for lifetime government financial support.

Grants
A grant is generally a one-time gift from an agency, charitable organisation or program to a person based on certain criteria and for specific purposes. This money is not required to be paid back.

Loans
A loan is where you are given money with the understanding it will be paid back over a certain period of time by monthly payments and may include fees or interest charges.

Good or Bad?
Depending on your personal situation, each of these major types of financial help come with certain restrictions or benefits.

Pros

• Benefits offer disabled people of Australia a life line when all other options have failed. You disability may prevent you from gaining full time employment and these benefits can offer a basic standard of living.
• Many grants for disabled are designed to help improve your quality of life in order to better deal with your disability, such as renovating a home to accommodate your disability – Learn more here.
• Whereas, low or no interest loans can offer you a way to defray the costs of emergencies or life essentials over a longer time period so you do not have to go without. A popular low cost loan option includes NILs.

Cons

• If you receive government benefits, often you may lose these guaranteed benefits if you find full-time employment. These benefits are meant for subsistence living and may not offer a high standard of living.
• The only negative side of a grant is if there is not a grant for your need or you do not qualify.
• Loans are a means to an end goal, but still must be repaid. Often loans require you to pay interest or fees for the loans. Choose a loan option with low to no interest and minimal fees, preferably backed by a government agency such as Good Money loans.

Where Can You Apply?

Applications for all three major types of financial support can generally be made online. For government disability benefits your best option is to go to the Department of Human Services website and pick the link under people with disability. This would be your first step to getting benefits.

Government support for those who are disabled, injured or dealing with a illness include:

– Disability support pension
– Sickness allowance
– Mobility allowance
– Pensioner education supplement

I addition to the above there are numerous other community support programs. Learn more at The Department of Human Services

Grants and Loans are available from community charitable organisations, faith-based charities, government agencies and financial lenders. A number of these companies or organisations may provide online applications, but most community-based agencies or non-profits will most likely require you to apply in person.

Below are a list of service to consider to help with money.

– Need help paying your utility bills, get free assistance
– Are you in need of cash but don’t qualify for a loan? Consider a Centrelink Advance.
– Are you a low income earner not on Centrelink and need a small loan for important living needs such as home or vehicle repairs? Consider some of these low cost loan services.
– For other financial issues, consider speaking to a professional financial counselor for free.