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
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OP, if this is a recent thing, your first priority has to be wound care, followed closely by extensive and committed rehab.
There are specialist wound care nurses running home visit services to manage things whilst critical. Her surgeon/GP may or may not have arranged this, but you need a referral to your local community nursing service.
After her initial recovery, you’ll need to move on to rehab. There are also going to be services available for this, I’m just less familiar with that part. Getting into rehab and adaptation early and long term is going to be crucial to your wife’s qualify of life in the long term.
I would recommend applying for a Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme card. Link below for NSW. Most states have similar schemes if you aren't in NSW.
If you find a driver you like, ask for their number. You can book directly with them.If you do travel interstate, you can get paper vouchers to use manually. Most of these schemes are honoured interstate.
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-for-the-tax…
Extract from above site:
The Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme (TTSS) supports NSW residents who are unable to use public transport because of a severe and permanent disability.If you're eligible, you could receive a subsidy of 50% of a taxi fare, up to a maximum subsidy of $60, and only pay the remaining fare. This includes travel in wheelchair-accessible taxis.
You ask a forum which attracts the lowest of society and expect a serious answer
Check out Footless Jo on YouTube. Get plenty of ideas from there.
People are covering all the services/assistance programs - but was your wife sporty or athletic beforehand?
She might not be there yet in terms of relearning mobility, but once she's at a sufficient level the sport/activity/competition could help from a social and mental health aspect - as well as the physical benefits, not just general health but speeding up her learning how to move better with the new situation.
There can be assistance programs with NDIS and other grants.
Very sorry to hear, hope the situation gets better. When she is mentally well, maybe look for some stay at home roles? There are alot of Superannuation jobs that are stay at home
LoL OP stated tips, schemes, benefits…. and people just focus on the word benefits.
Not everyone is a natural communications expert, or writer.
Give the guy the benefit of doubt, and assume he's asking if there are any concessions that his wife may be entitled to to help reduce financial burden.OP I personally know nothing about this, but hope you guys are coping well.
My father in law is an above knee amputee. Not really any ‘benefits’ or schemes other than NDIS which doesn’t cover everything. He has a disabled parking permit that he refuses to use and some NDIS for physio, PT and a new leg every so many years. He had to pay out of his own pocket to get an osseointegrated joint/leg and then NDIS would cover the leg to suit (if it meets the needs/criteria). He’s well in his 60’s still works, initially lost his leg before his working life and had a successful career in a manual labour type job, with an old school strap on leg. The osseointegration really changed his life, that was done within the last 10yrs, however as said it isn’t covered by NDIS and the cost is close to the six figure mark (access superannuation is what most amputees have to resort to unfortunately), private health cover helps though.
In saying all that he has used lots of sick days for complications. Especially knee issues with his good knee (arthritis etc) obviously without that he literally can’t walk.40 year AK leg amp here.
All of the above, and tell her she can do anything she wants.
Pro tip: Those street shoe shops that leave single shoes out the front are nature's way of paying her back for not being able to count past fifteen :)
A blog about the experience and tips for others going through same.
If into sports, competing in an event, potentially up to Paralympic level.
Motivational speaking.
I was impressed by this lady, who seems to work hard and manage to maintain a positive attitude despite the challenges:
NDIS
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So many insensitive people in this thread. Bet you wouldn't be too happy if you were in this position and people were making these claims/jokes… I'm sorry for the situation your family is in OP, I do hope it gets easier from here.