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
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I had a similar impression when I first read that sentence. Very poorly worded.
It may be accurately worded and OP's values/morals may be poor. Or it could just be a troll post.
Go back and revisit your year 2 reading comprehension lessons.
I am thinking they be trying to foster a positive outlook wherever possible in an awful situation
They are talking about what government benefits are available (I hope). The word has different meanings in different contexts, but it could have been worded more clearly.
Come on that's not fair, I think it's poorly worded but they're trying to find the silver linings here.
It's terribly worded. Even if they are "trying to find the silver lining", I don't think that's the way to go about it.
It's somewhat clumsily worded, sure - but to be fair many users are from non-English speaking backgrounds.
There's nothing in any of the rest of their revisions that even vaguely implies the OP is looking to use such a thing for his or their benefit - rather they're looking for guidance as to how to locate support etc given their new cisrcumstances.
I think we can cut a little slack and read between the lines, no? :-)
Holy shit people have some heart. The guy is looking for support, not a critique of his communication skills.
Regardless of wording, why should a family not be looking for benefits in a unplanned situation? You want them to just wallow in sorrow?
I'm sure there's lots in terms of community, financial and otherwise (not my field so I can't help sadly). Good on them for continuing the fight!
Disabled parking is applied to the vehicle, so OP doing can get away with using the disabled parking.
Totally immoral and wrong thing to do, but OP wants benefits and seems like the type that would do this.
i think it's probably more a grey area than 'totally immoral and wrong' - OP could be using the space to retrieve something on behalf of his wife, or to pick her up or drop her off.
Pick her up or drop off yes, if OP by himself and goes to retreive something for wife, should still use abled parking cos he doesnt need the disabled one.
This is incorrect, the vehicle needs to be transporting the eligible cardholder; however misuse is widespread.
Yeah that could have been worded with a bit less room for it to be so easily misread or misinterpreted.
"What schemes are there to assist us?"
"What programs are put in place to help her/us?"
"Are we eligible for any financial assistance to help with the new bills we're facing?"At least he didn't ask what his wife's leg was worth, but it didn't feel that far off..
I suspect it was meant to be "What services are available to people in this situation?", not "A pair of socks lasts twice as long".
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?
Perhaps OP thinks we're a community of knowledgeable welfare exploiters.
Perhaps OP thinks we're a community of knowledgeable welfare exploiters.
In that case, maybe you can help him.
Centrelink is not the place to go for advice on what help or benefits you could be eligible for. They are not allowed to suggest other payments or entitlements that you are eligible for. It stinks a lot and the reason makes no sense. If you do find out a payment you might be eligible for, you need to jump through many hoops to get it.
You think we should be paying people to "sell" welfare?
Good luck taking that to an election.
You think we shouldn't be paying people in government to explain how their services work to the people they're intended for?
"Hi doc I have a sharp pain in my tooth."
"Well you should get a certain check done, but unfortunately I can't tell you what it is."
well at least you're looking on the bright side
Positive thinking is important.
Saving on socks?
and foot cream.
pedicures half price?
Only if you can share the purchase with an "opposite" friend.
Where have you shoes being sold individually?
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.
Agreed. The comments here are unnecessary. It won't be fun if you're on the receiving end. Grow up, keyboard warriors.
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.
True, but there is no reason to assume any of that from PO. Actually a handful of reasons not to assume any of that.
Not everyone work sitting down.
Most people have access to seek.com though. Unemployment in Australia is currently almost at an all time low.
@Jake D: There's an election coming up so don't worry, everybody will soon believe there's record high unemployed people stealing money, and record high crime rates, which will go away after the election, regardless of the reality of these situations.
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.
Umm Cyberpunk told me otherwise.
Disabled parking permit.
If your wife can find another amputee with the same size, that's an automatic 50% off footwear.
Weird how “Saruname” gets pluses and this gets negs. Both clearly didn’t read the post properly.
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.
Jesus there are some sick bastards here.
Jesus loves sick bastards too.
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 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.
@jv: Just because some people catfish doesnt mean you assume everyone does. Empathy starts with how you want to be treated. Your comments says alot more about you than you can hide behind anonymity.
Just because some people catfish doesnt mean you assume everyone does.
I never said 'everyone'…
Daniel Plainview giving empathy lessons, who'd of thought?
How so? Id like to think I'm not hyprocritical, happy to be shown otherwise. :-)
Think dmac is taking the p**s.
@Daniel Plainview: The evidence speaks to the contrary, two quotes:
"I have a competition in me. I want no one else to succeed" and most famously "I. Drink. Your. Milkshake!"
"Humorous" posts perhaps, the reaction indicates in reality most didn't see anything actually amusing.
Yes, you are correct - but the OP did this after it turned into some D-grade school boy joke fest when he had posted sincerely looking for guidance on paths to take for his partner. So I think it was done with reluctance at a small number of the OzB communities highly questionable reactions which essentially made mock and jokes to his question.
It's like OP had never seen the OzBargain forum
What happened?
Her leg was amputated.
Recently…
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.
This should be higher.
If you haven't already, go through all of her superannuation accounts (and look for lost accounts too) and check for in-built insurance. If you have comprehensive personal policies, check for any payments you could be entitled to through them as her carer/partner.
Also check any home/contents policies, some of them have quirky little lump sums you can claim for things such as home modifications.
Quite a few support services here: https://www.google.com/search?q=amputee+support+services&rlz…
This also looked promising: https://www.limbs4life.org.au/
This will be processed by your wife, yourself and any close family members (and others) in different ways - as far as your wife is concerned there is no wrong way and emotions and the sense of loss are going to be tough to reconcile, especially as you're young
I'd suggest considering a support group as well as she will be able to interact with others in similar situations, and there are also support groups for partners of people who have gone through something like this
Your profile says you're in Sydney: https://apcprosthetics.com.au/amputee-support-groups/
https://amputee-coalition.org/support-groups-peer-support/ho…
See if your company or where your wife works / used to work have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as you can get support like counselling through here also.
As people have mentioned look into Super and any injury/disablement insurance.
All the best and don't let some keyboard comedians put you off - keep posting, keep in touch with any people who give you some relief and can support - this is a lot to go through so reach out and get support from the organisations and people out there who want to help.
Take care mate.
It seems like OP is struggling a little and trying to stay positive for his family - good for you
A couple of quick thoughtsIf your wife is not working f/t or at all - that is more time for your young family
She can welcome them home from school, help with homework, prepare nutritious and cheaper meals
Do all the things that time-poor families with both partners working can't manageShe now has the ability to enter study and retrain for a new career
May get heavily subsidised cost of education under the circumstances (?)When ready, there may be WFH opportunities for her that can match or even surpass her previous career options
Consider joining some support groups and similar
Opportunity to meet new people and when ready give back to those in need
In my opinion, this is much more positive than writing a blog all alone at home
Better yet, do bothNot a good situation for you but likely a corner and not a dead end
Many Australians live with all levels of disability and have good jobs, happy families and productive lives
It may just take a while to adjust - stay positive
I too thought that this was the type of advice OP was looking for.
My sympathies to him and his family, and I hope things start to improve now your wife is through the amputation process.
I just want to say I'm sorry that so many people are having a laugh at your expense. A friend lost his leg as a child after a inboard boating accident (floor broke and his leg wrapped around the drive shaft). He laughs jokes off, but it hurts him deeply. I honestly don't think people use their brains to consider just how serious this is.
Any event that results in the loss of a limb is horrific. While I cannot offer any advice, I do hope you find what you need and hope your family navigates this time as well as possible.
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I feel sorry for your wife.