spouse of scouse

I'll have a bash at it J.

The disability support payment in Australia is a Federal government payment, so it's the same for everyone.

For a couple, the total payment per month is $3,050.57 - on today's currency exchange rate CAD $2,921.
If the couple rents, they receive a $282 per month rent assistance payment - CAD $270
If one or both of this couple can't use public transport due to disability or health condition, a mobility allowance of $213 per month is paid to each eligible member of the couple - CAD $204

Bulk billed GP appointments are free
Specialist/consultant appointments are free, through the outpatient centres of all public hospitals

People on the disability support payment get a concession card which provides discounts and subsidies on a range of things.
Prescription drugs - $6.50 per prescription. When the cardholder's total prescription costs in any one calendar year reach $316, their prescriptions are free for the rest of that year
Dental treatment (at a public clinic or a private clinic that participates in the government's dental scheme) - 50% off the cost of treatment

Other benefits vary according to the State. These are some for people living in Western Australia.
Free ambulance cover
Taxi subsidies
Interest-free loan for rental damage deposit and two weeks rent in advance
Free entry to art galleries and museums
70% discount on vocational education and training courses (at TAFE colleges)
Reduced or free admission to national parks, zoo, various other attractions
Free vehicle licencing
Free transport on bus, train and ferry services
One free trip per year on regional rail and road coaches

Housing
Subsidised housing is available but there's a long wait period, last I heard it was 2 years for non-priority. My daughter's in subsidised housing, she pays $110 per week for a 2 bedroom 1 bathroom unit.

Sydney's the most expensive city for housing, but at the lower end of the market if you have a look on realestate.com.au you can find an ok 1 bedroom airconditioned apartment with balcony, and pool and gym in the complex for $425 per week, if you must be in the CBD. There are cheaper and bigger options in the suburbs, but I don't really know the market there.

$400 per week in Perth will get you this in the CBD
https://www.realestate.com.au/proper...erth-428851766
Houses and villas in mid-level suburbs range start as low as $300

I'm going to stop now, this post was way longer than I'd intended!

scrubbedexpat091

Thanks! It always interesting to see how other countries do things and I found it interesting so thank you for the time to write it.

The income amount is certainly more generous in Australia, and being federal I would assume it allows one to move states and maintain that income?

While the housing supplement is about $105 lower vs BC, the higher base income amount keeps Australia in the lead.

Transportation wise in BC disabled have 2 choices, a bus pass or $52 per month transportation payment, one or the other.

Our healthcare system is different of course, so can't really direct compare there as easily.

GP/Specialists/Hospitalizations/diagnostic and such are fully covered just like they are for everyone.

Prescriptions are either fully covered or not covered at all for disabled there is no middle ground, there is a list of medications that are covered, if not on that list not covered.

Dental is provided every other year in the odd numbered years in January, the person is given 1,000 credit to cover basic dental issues.

Vision is partially covered, an exam every 2 years I want to say, and frames up to $100 are covered.

The $80 ambulance fee is waived for disabled here.

Subsidized housing in BC has a very long wait, so long that your basically never going to get a unit without either being homeless, single, or have a kid, a childless couple is basically lowest priority, we are going on 5 years now, we don't even consider it a viable option, but the subsidized housing rates vary depending on income, single disabled pay $375, disabled couple pays $570. (per month, rent is done per month in Canada.)

The ministry may provide a loan for damage deposits, no interest paid back at $20 per month, but there is a limit, we got it 2 times but this most recent move and our previous move in 2017, they would not provide it.

If you have certain health conditions like diabetes one can have a form filled out by their doctor and the ministry will provide a diet supplement, a diabetic can get $75 extra per month for example.


My opinion and mine only, I would say it appears Australia does a better job, since it appears to be federal in the base amount and uniform across the country giving disabled more mobility to relocate without losing their income.

From what I have gathered seems you have decent public transport in your area from the burbs?


That apartment is quite nice in the link, we paid $437 CAD per week in Vancouver, but that apartment in the link in Perth looks nicer, and has air con, and a way better view.

What is that thing in the bathroom, a clothes dryer?

scrubbedexpat091

Some examples of 2 bed 2 bath in downtown Vancouver. (I assume CBD = downtown?)



https://vancouver.craigslist.org/van...168982478.html $2,750 CAD per month)

https://vancouver.craigslist.org/van...173390118.html (3,300 CAD per month)

https://vancouver.craigslist.org/van...173137627.html (2,650 per month CAD$)