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The Department of Health and Aged Care’s website has information about the type of support available under the Australian Thalidomide Survivors Support Program. There are 2 funds, the Extraordinary Assistance Fund and the Health Care Assistance Fund.
Extraordinary Assistance Fund
This fund helps if thalidomide-related injuries make it hard for you to do your daily activities. It covers the costs of goods and services to assist with these activities. This may include any of the following:
- assistance with personal domestic activities and self‑care activities
- personal aids and appliances, such as wheelchairs, scooters and hoists
- assistive technology, such as household aids and appliances and computer software
- vehicle modifications, such as accessories or adaptations for driver control and car access lifters or hoists
- home modifications, such as necessary renovations or installations, slip resistant coatings, grab rails, guide rails and ramps.
Health Care Assistance Fund
This fund helps cover the out of pocket health care costs you’ve paid in Australia as a likely result of thalidomide-related injuries. This may include any of the following:
- health products and consumables
- out of pocket pharmaceuticals costs
- out of pocket health services costs, including medical, surgical and allied health
- health-related travel and transport costs.