Hi OzBargainers.
My wife recently became leg amputee and we as a young family are adjusting to the 'new normal'.
There are government schemes such as NDIS and certain carer and travel benefits.
Being new to all this and it being financially more challenging, having to operate on a single income, are there any tips, schemes, benefits that we might have missed or can take advantage of.
She's thinking of maybe doing a blog with this sort of info for anyone who finds themselves in the same situation, as it is quite overwhelming and not 100% clear what to apply for.
Thanks in advance. PS. I'm not posting for jokes about 50% shoes and the like. Please don't post if you don't have something constructive.
Recent Amputee - What Benefits Are There to The New Situation
spartacus77 on 11/02/2025 - 08:20
Last edited 11/02/2025 - 11:05
Last edited 11/02/2025 - 11:05
Comments
I had a similar impression when I first read that sentence. Very poorly worded.
I feel this comment is still very double standard in the 21st century of supposed “equality”
Prove me wrong? Why didn’t you say u feel sorry for both of them.. only the wife.
It might be a good idea to join one of the online forums created by and for people in a similar situation. Those online communities will probably have good tips and experiences to share.
This site has some good information on different groups in Australia, many of which have online resources and communities.
surely you would go to Centrelink rather than OzBargain?
well at least you're looking on the bright side
Positive thinking is important.
Saving on socks?
and shoes.
and foot cream.
pedicures half price?
Only if you can share the purchase with an "opposite" friend.
This is hilarious. Not sure why you're downvoted. But OP may not be able to appreciate it yet.
This thread is disgusting. You don’t know how hard it was for him to post this or what he is going through.
It’s not hard to be kind and save your jokes for something a little more lighthearted.
Whole leg? Above/Below knee? I see people living just fine with a prosthetic.
I'm not sure how they're unable to work after a leg amputation. the only time i'm not sitting down at work is when I go for a coffee. And, with the appropriate aids, I reckon I could manage that with one leg.
We don't know why her leg was amputated (cancer etc). It may not be the leg amputation specifically that is preventing her from working. Or maybe she will be going back to work, but right now she is healing from the surgery, attending multiple medical appointments, changing dressings several times per day, taking strong pain meds, doing rehab, and can't work for a while.
I see people living just fine with a prosthetic.
To be fair this will be after significant treatment/rehabilition. You don't just go into your nearest chop shop and have a limb off and head back to work.
Disabled parking permit.
If your wife can find another amputee with the same size, that's an automatic 50% off footwear.
Was she treated in Australia? Hospital social worker, occupational therapist and physiotherapist should have set you well on your way.
THIS^
Yeah, something about the post doesn't feel right. This isn't a 'no support was offered or provided for me' throughout the entire ordeal. This isn't a third world country, and despite what woe is me fantasies people may make up, our health care systems are world class and extensive support would have been offered throughout the process. I know because I've seen family members go through amputations twice myself in the public system, and both times the support, and after care was thorough.
Guys,
The OP literally states this:
Thanks in advance. PS. I'm not posting for jokes about 50% shoes and the like. Please don't post if you don't have something constructive.
And people still can't help but post things that are clearly exactly what he's asked not for. Why? Have a tad of empathy and respect for others, you don't know what he's going through and wisecracking can be made in another thread, yes?
OP, sorry for your predicament, I agree as posted by others that online forums that specialise in such situations can be very insightful into specific feedback, not sure if there's an association or group to represent amputees in a state or national level, they also might assist. My wife has a dear friend who's recently lost her arm after a long battle to keep it- she says people often say things that are very offputting to her, though have no ill intent. I do hope your wife and family are able to come out of this better on the other side, best wishes.
It's just a bit of
harmless fun.It's just a bit of harmless fun.
Jesus there are some sick bastards here.
Why does whether it's anonymous or not have anything to do with having empathy & respect? They're not mutually exclusive as far as I can see, unless you need a pat on the back for treating someone else decently?
The OP literally said please don't do this - and folks essentially said, "Nah screw you, I will anyway." And for what? Doubt anyone really found any of the 'quips' laugh worthy, just feels like his wife losing a leg is something to joke about - which for them, it's perhaps the worst thing to happen in some time.
Empathy ain't that hard - and doesn't cost a thing. Plenty of threads to joke around in, & I'm all for it - doesn't have to be this one.
Why does whether it's anonymous or not have anything to do with having empathy & respect?
Is it a real person?
Did it really happen?Google 'Catfishing'
why should you use empathy with a stranger who's discussing a tragedy, they could be making it up which means you can make jokes about it if you want
Now I understand how you can have the most posts in a month and still an overall negative vote score
@jv: Why do you assume the negative by default? i.e the OP has to be proven to exist BEFORE we act the way we'd like others to act towards us.
You're scrambling to justify people being pretty callous - first it's we're anonymous, then it's are we sure the OP's wie exists etc.
Perhaps be nice first, then if the OP is seen to be fibbing (and why would they do this?) then be unpleasant - going to this by default isn't a good look.
What happened?
Her leg was amputated.
Recently…
And now looking for a hand.out
If she is good at public speaking she could become a motivational speaker. Corporates pay big $ to get people in to give inspo talks to executives and for team days. Might be something to consider besides the blog and returning to whatever her previous occupation was. She might have to create a narrative which might include finding her purpose first and then leveraging it to get into the speaker space.
Instead of a blog, would be better to create Youtube videos if she's comfortable with being on camera.
It’s really just NDIS and prosthetics (if she’s suitable for one) in terms of ‘benefits’. I’d recommend joining some Australian disability forums on Facebook or Reddit in terms of what to consider within a NDIS plan. Something people often overlook is vehicle modifications, driving lessons and driving assessment. This can be including in her NDIS plan. Other tip is as her husband don’t volunteer to NDIS that you can complete some tasks for her which she can no long do, as they will mean she isn’t eligible for this as part of her plan. If possible submit the access request form whilst still in hospital, as this speeds up the planning process.
People with amputations can and do work, so she wouldn’t get disability pension. If she’s unemployed she could get jobseeker.
If she’s interested in disability advocacy or health consumer advocacy there’s a bunch of organisations she can get involved in depending where you live.
First actual answer. Only 30 odd responses down the page.
OP literally posts every time they have a car accident they're at fault in, or to talk about renovations on their North Shore property, or investment property. Then when people in this thread ask legitimate questions to help them, or offer good advice, they can't even dignify them with a response. There are plenty of resources out there to help you navigate this, further to this someone already told you that the physio and hospital would have well and truly guided you on the right path in terms of what to do and where to go to get assistance. I get the feeling this thread was created to look for dodgy ways to game the system as opposed to needing legitimate assistance.
Have a look at:
https://amputeesnsw.org.au/
https://www.limbs4life.org.au/
https://www.icare.nsw.gov.au/injured-or-ill-people/motor-acc… (if applicable)The biggest effect will be through NDIS, read through this (https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/media/1768/download?attach…) and think like a lawyer - what in your day to day life would be covered by this? What could be covered by this? You used to have a TV from the 50s which had push-buttons, guess what - now you can get a new TV, etc.
Disability Employment Services may be able to source suitable work to assist with income for your partner.
Disability Support Services within Universities and TAFE providers generally provide scholarships and assistance to your partner in these circumstances. Shop around, this may be a good time for your partner to try a new career in an industry they've been interested about.
As others have mentioned, make use of allowances (carer, mobility, DSP). As well as Chronic Disease Management Plans through your GP (this can provide Medicare-rebates on a wide range of services, including regular prescriptions, counselling and mental health support, physio and occupational therapy).
Check your local state for concession options on things like transport; both for yourself and your partner - as a carer you generally ride free. This can also be available for utilities, car registration, etc. Things really do vary by provider and state, so shop around for everything that any able-bodies person would rely on to go about their life. For example, my local council allows people with disability to put a disabled car park directly in front of their house.
Annual electricity concessions: https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/annual-electricity-concessi…
Winter gas concession: https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/winter-gas-concession
No-interest $2K loan: https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/no-interest-loan-scheme
PBS discounts with your Health Care Card: https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/pharmaceutical-benefits-sch…
50% discount on registration fees: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/registration/registration-fe…
50% deduction on water/wastewater annually: https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/water-and-sewerage-concessi…
Rates and stamp duty reductions: https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/municipal-rates-concession https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/land-transfer-duty/pensioner-and-…Once your partner lands some casual work, look into Medical Expenses Tax Offset (prosthetics, medical care, consultations etc).Phased out, nevermind: https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals-and-families/income-deduc…Finally, if you've already BOUGHT property - you can try and refund an amount. I'd recommend this if you bought at a market peak in the past few years: https://www.sro.vic.gov.au/land-transfer-duty/apply-for-a-du…
Thank you so much for all the comments. Some really useful info and links provided that I didn't know about. I probably worded the post incorrectly and maybe it wasn't the right content to post to this forum but thanks for your patience and it was really useful. I think that's all I need. Have a great day.
Use your existing or find a good GP who will assist with NDIS process. It's a lot of hoops and hurdles and makes no sense at times.
You will need a good:
Occupation Therapist - They will guide you with assistive technology
Pedorthist/Orthotist - I'm assuming you will probably have a referral already
Podiatrist - They will assess gait, deal with wounds or any other lower limb issues.
Physio - Work on strength, combating compensatory systems or tightness
Likely: Exercise Physiologist
Have you investigated whether your wife has/had any income protection or total & permanent disablement insurance? She may have had some cover by default in her super fund.
I feel sorry for your wife.