What Financial Support Is Available For Autistic People?
- Liz Smalley
- May 31
- 2 min read
Many autistic people and their families face the difficult reality of having to give up work. It’s striking to think that, for many, going to work every day—year after year—means building up sick leave, annual leave, personal leave, long service leave, and superannuation. Over 40 years, that adds up to a significant financial safety net.
But for some families, this simply isn’t possible. Parents may need to stay home because school just isn’t an option for their child. Some days, kids might make it to school but can’t stay the whole day. Other days, getting out the door—or even out of bed—feels impossible. It’s tough. Meanwhile, it can seem like other children go to school happily every day while their parents head off to work without a second thought.
I’m going to say it: it’s not fair. The loss of income and missed opportunities can be a real source of grief. There’s no denying that money can buy happiness—to a point. More money means we can meet our basic needs, like food and shelter, and have a sense of security. But when you’re unable to work because you’re caring for someone else, or managing your own needs, it can feel incredibly hard. The financial pressures add another layer to an already challenging situation.
But, there is some financial support available. I've created a free downloadable PDF with all the funding options I know of, with links, so you can check out which ones might be for you.
How to get an 80% Medicare rebate for an assessment using your Medicare safety net.
Centrelink payments for carers, homeschoolers, adults
Pension and health care card benefits
Companion Card
If you know of others please let me know and I will share them with out community.
There is also funding available to support people at work. https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/employment-assistance-fund
This one makes me so mad! I contacted the education minister and women's minister to ask if homeschool girls can have access to free period products the same as kids attending school. The answer was NO! Because families 'chose' to homeschool. Did they? Here's the link: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/media-statements/Cook-Labor-Government/Free-period-products-for-WA-public-primary-schools-20240416
Scroll down for the free PDF. You're welcome to share it.
Have you already had an assessment and feel a bit lost about what to do next? Check out my mini course Thriving With Autism After Diagnosis here.
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