BGF Assistance

Help Managing Bills

BGF has provided support to help people directly disadvantaged by HIV pay for essential costs and services since 1984.

More recently and with a growing client base, BGF recognizes that there is a broad range of people living with HIV, all with varying levels of need and at different stages of managing their diagnosis, health needs and social circumstances. For some people there are no current support needs apart from seeking to have a point of contact should their needs change. Others are grappling with loss of employment or long term unemployment while others still are living with multiple health issues, with little likelihood of resuming employment. Increasingly clients are moving into the older age group with additional support needs linked to the ageing process.

BGF’s Financial Assistance falls into 3 main areas:

Ongoing financial assistance for all eligible clients in relation to health and well-being including:

· Costs of HIV anti-retroviral medications

· Costs of HIV related non-PBS medications (with doctor’s confirmation)

· Costs of HIV related vitamins and supplements (with health professional confirmation)

· Costs of alternative therapies (with health professional recommendation)

· Costs of medical gap fee for HIV-related procedures (with doctor’s confirmation)

· Costs of annual dental check where no other assistance available

Short-term, targeted financial assistance for clients assessed by their Caseworker for:

· Emergency support – one-off assistance for food or shelter

· Short-term (3 – 6 months) assistance to enable a client to be housed, stabilise finances etc – generally get back on their feet

· Fees and /or materials for approved courses (returning to workforce or capacity building)

· Costs of returning to employment – clothing, materials etc

NB: This level of assistance is short-term only and reviewed 3 monthly

Specific, targeted financial assistance for clients assessed by their Caseworker as having high support or complex needs.

Assistance will depend on what the specific needs of the individual are but depending on the individual’s priorities may include:

· Help with medical equipment

· Help with costs of caring for children

· Help with utilities in certain circumstances

· Help with purchasing glasses or hearing aides

Note: This level of assistance is determined only after assessment and discussion with your Caseworker and is reviewed at least once every year.

Working with your caseworker

All applications for financial assistance are made through your allocated Caseworker and will depend on you having completed an Individual Service Plan identifying your overall needs. Approval needs to be obtained before any goods or services are ordered or any money is paid.

For those clients receiving any level of financial assistance they will need to provide a Proof of Income (generally a Centrelink Income Statement) once / year if on DSP or Aged Pension and every 6 months if on Newstart or a low income.

Caseworkers will work with clients to ensure they understand and manage their spending and cashflow challenges including completing a spending plan / budget. Caseworkers can also assist to organise deductions through Centrepay for energy bills, and in some cases direct debitsfor rates, rent, telephone etc.

Information can also be provided for clients on other BGF services such as Financial Counselling or referrals to external programs that may be of assistance.

Government Assistance and Support

We can help you find out if you are getting everything you are entitled to from Centrelink. Read our Allowances Fact Sheet to find out what allowances you may be entitled to in addition to or instead of the Disability Support Pension.