Other Government Support
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The type of support that is right for you will depend on your age, your situation, and how arthritis affects your daily life.
- Under 65 and arthritis affects your ability to work? Centrelink payments such as the Disability Support Pension may help.
- A family member or friend helps care for you? Carer Gateway and Carer Payment support carers too.
- Aged 65 or over? My Aged Care is the place to start for home support and allied health services.
- A veteran? The Department of Veterans’ Affairs may cover treatment costs and equipment.
- Struggling with everyday tasks at home? Assistive technology and home modifications can make a big difference.
If you are not sure which option fits your situation, talk to your GP or call the Arthritis Info Line on 1800 011 041.
Centrelink Payments and Benefits
If arthritis or musculoskeletal conditions affects your ability to work or manage daily life, you may be able to get financial support through Services Australia (Centrelink).
- Disability Support Pension (DSP) This is a regular payment for people of working age whose condition means they cannot work, or can only work limited hours. To be eligible, your condition needs to significantly affect your ability to work.
- JobSeeker Payment If you are looking for work but arthritis is limiting what you can do, you may be able to get JobSeeker with a medical exemption. This means you may not have to meet the usual activity requirements while your condition is affecting you.
- Mobility Allowance This payment is for people who cannot use public transport because of a disability or medical condition. It helps cover the cost of getting around.
- Concession Cards Many Centrelink payments come with a Pensioner Concession Card or a Health Care Card. These cards can reduce the cost of medicines, medical appointments, and some everyday expenses.
Read more on the Services Australia website → https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/
Carer Gateway and Carer Support
Many people with arthritis are supported by a family member, friend, or partner. If someone helps you with daily tasks because of your arthritis, they may be able to access support too.
- Carer Gateway is a free government service that offers practical help, coaching, counselling, and respite for carers. It is available by phone or online.
- Carer Payment is a regular income support payment for people who provide constant care to someone with a disability or medical condition.
- Carer Allowance is an additional fortnightly payment for carers who provide daily care. It does not affect other Centrelink payments.
Read more about Carer Gateway → https://www.carergateway.gov.au/
Read more about income and financial supports that could be available to carers→ https://www.carergateway.gov.au/help-and-support/caring-me/available-support-carers/financial-support
My Aged Care
If you are aged 65 or over (or 50 or over if you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander), My Aged Care is the starting point for accessing government-funded aged care services.
Services that may help with arthritis include:
- Help around the home, such as cleaning or gardening
- Personal care, such as help getting dressed or showering
- Transport to appointments
- Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and other allied health services
- Modifications to your home to make it safer and easier to move around.
You can access services through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) for lower-level needs, or a Home Care Package (HCP) if you need more ongoing support.
To find out what you are eligible for, you need to register with My Aged Care and have an assessment.
Read more and register with My Aged Care → https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/
Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA)
If you have served in the Australian Defence Force and your arthritis or musculoskeletal condition is related to your service, you may be able to access support through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA).
DVA can help with:
- Medical treatment costs, including specialist appointments
- Aids and equipment through the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP), such as splints, braces, and mobility aids
- Home modifications
- Medications listed under the Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS), which may cost less than standard PBS prices.
Read more about DVA support → https://www.dva.gov.au/
Assistive Technology and Home Modifications
Assistive technology includes any equipment that makes daily tasks easier to manage. For people with arthritis, this might include:
- Jar openers, tap turners, and ergonomic kitchen tools
- Grab rails and non-slip mats in the bathroom
- Raised toilet seats and shower chairs
- Splints or orthotic devices
- Mobility aids such as walking frames or wheelchairs.
Government funding options include:
- The Assistive Technology and Home Modifications (AT-HM) scheme provides Support at Home participants with separate funding for the assistive technology and home modifications that they need to live safely and independently at home.
- The NDIS (if you are eligible – see our [NDIS page])
- My Aged Care (if you are aged 65 or over)
- State and territory equipment programs
An occupational therapist (OT) can assess your needs and recommend the right equipment for you. Your GP can refer you to an OT, and some visits may be covered under a Chronic Disease Management plan.
Find out more about AT-HM Scheme → https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/support-at-home/delivering-services-for-support-at-home/assistive-technology-and-home-modifications-at-hm-scheme?language=en
State Government Concessions and Benefits
Each state and territory in Australia offers its own concessions and benefits for people living with a disability or chronic condition. These can help reduce everyday costs.
Common concessions may include:
- Reduced fares on public transport
- Discounts on energy and water bills
- Reductions in council rates
- Cheaper vehicle registration
Most of these concessions require you to hold a Centrelink concession card such as a Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card.
Because concessions vary by state, check what is available where you live.
Find concessions in your state or territory
NSW https://www.nsw.gov.au/money-and-taxes/payments-vouchers-and-support
NT https://nt.gov.au/community/concessions-and-payments
QLD https://www.qld.gov.au/community/cost-of-living-support/concessions
SA https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/care-and-support/disability/concessions
TAS https://www.concessions.tas.gov.au/
VIC https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/concessions-and-benefits
WA https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-communities/concessions-available-western-australia
Other Resources
Australian Disability Parking Scheme
If arthritis makes it hard for you to walk or get around, you may be eligible for a disability parking permit. This allows you to park in accessible spaces closer to where you need to go. The scheme is run by state and territory governments, so the application process varies depending on where you live.
Find out how to apply in your state → https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/australian-disability-parking-scheme
JobAccess
JobAccess is a free Australian Government service that helps people with disability find and keep work. It can also help employers make their workplaces more accessible. Services include employment advice, workplace assessments, and funding for workplace modifications through the Employment Assistance Fund (EAF).
Learn more about JobAccess → https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/
What is the Employment Assistance Fund? https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/i-am-a-person-with-disability/looking-applying-job/government-services-help-you/funding-workplace-changes/what-eaf?
Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National)
If English is not your first language, TIS National provides free interpreting services to help you access Australian Government programs.
Access TIS National → https://www.tisnational.gov.au/
National Relay Service
If you have a hearing or speech impairment, the National Relay Service can help you make phone calls and connect online to government services.
Access the National Relay Service → https://www.accesshub.gov.au/
Information is general only. For advice about your situation, speak with a health professional, social worker, or financial counsellor.
Page reviewed and updated 19 May 2026