The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

3.15.4.30 Types of claimants - people with medical needs & carers (EMEP)

Summary

An EMEP claimant can be either:

  • the person who requires the medical equipment, or the additional heating and/or cooling, or
  • the carer of the person who requires the medical equipment, or the additional heating and/or cooling.

Definition of a 'carer' for EMEP purposes

For the purposes of EMEP, a carer is a person who provides care and attention on a regular and ongoing basis for a person with medical needs. A parent, or other person responsible for a dependent child would be classified as a carer, including a foster carer of such a child. The carer of a non-dependent adult may also qualify for EMEP.

Co-resident requirement for equipment user & carer

If a carer wishes to claim EMEP, they must live in the same residence as the equipment user, that is the residence in which the costs of using the equipment are being incurred. If the carer does not live in the same residence as the equipment user, then only the equipment user can claim EMEP.

Dependent child

A dependent child cannot claim EMEP. The carer of a dependent child can claim EMEP where a dependent child is the person with medical needs.

Act reference: SSAct section 917B Qualification for essential medical equipment payment, section 917C(2) Caring for a person who has medical needs

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