As part of the Federal Budget 2011-12, the government announced it will provide $12,000 towards early intervention services for children with a specified disability, capped at $6,000 per annum.
This funding would be available from 1 July 2011 for children aged less than six years at the time of diagnosis, with the funding being available until the child's seventh birthday, with one of the following disabilities:
- sight and hearing impairments
- cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- fragile X syndrome.
The $12,000 early intervention funding is paid to service providers on a fee for services basis. Payment for services is claimed by service providers through the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA).
In addition, eligible children up to the age of 15 years will have access to diagnosis and treatment services funded through Medicare Australia, provided a treatment plan is in place before the child turns 13 years of age.
A $2,000 one-off tax exempt payment will also be available to children of families living in outer-regional, rural and remote areas to help meet some of the costs of accessing services.
Joint media release by The Hon Jenny Macklin Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Senator Jan McLucas Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers - Better start in life for children with disability.
For more information, refer to Tax Laws Amendment (2011 Measures No. 6) Bill 2011 and explanatory memorandum.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 20 July 2011