As a Life Member of Beyond Blindness, you may be eligible for financial assistance for a range of needs and situations. You can download the forms to apply for assistance.
Here are the SPF Benefit Guidelines to apply for financial assistance. Please note that not all applications are online, should you require funding for Funeral Costs, Birth/Adoption Costs please contact our office to request more information from our team.
Special Purpose Fund – Home Maintenance Costs
Subsidy to assist with the cost of home maintenance, to a Maximum of $250 per annum* (*subject to terms and conditions).
You can submit an online application here: SPF Application for Home Maintenance Costs v1.2
Application for Personal Loan
Members of the Beyond Blindness are able to apply for a personal loan subject to terms and conditions provided at the time of applying.
You can submit an online application here: SPF Application for Personal Loan v1.1
Recurrent Subsidy (Cost of Living Subsidy)
We are thrilled to announce an update that will make it easier for you to apply for our previously known Phone and Telephone Subsidy which will now be renamed as Beyond Blindness Cost of Living Subsidy.
We have streamlined the process by eliminating the need for you to supply your phone and power bills which should make applying more convenient.
The biannual check for income eligibility however will remain the same, ensuring that everyone who qualifies can continue to benefit. To be eligible you must be a full member and fall into one of the following two income categories:
Category One
For single members and couples who are wholly reliant on their pension and do not earn any income from any other source (it is ok to earn a small amount of bank interest, i.e approx. $10 per week for singles and $20 per week for couples).
Annual Category One Subsidy
Cost of Living subsidy amount = $300.00, split over 2 payments in October and April, for 2 years.
Category Two
For single members who earn no more than $50 per week or for couples whose combined income is no more than $85 above their pension.
Annual Category Two Subsidy
Cost of Living subsidy amount = $180.00, split over 2 payments in October and April, for 2 years.
Please note: single members earning over $50 per week and couples earning over $85 per week will no longer be eligible for this subsidy.
The application for the Cost-of-Living subsidy will be sent to the members in the month of August every two years for a biannual check and confirm income eligibility.
There are some Terms and Conditions and income eligibility questions which Members must read and understand. The form needs to be signed by Members who are applying (either online or verbally) and must also include contact details of a personal reference who can provide the member with a character reference and who can attest to the member’s eligibility to receive this subsidy (this can be anyone known to the Member known for at least one year, but that does not live with the member). Please be aware that we may contact this person as part of our random audit procedures.
Your friends, family or support person can help you complete the form, or you are welcome to contact our office on 8 3 6 7 6 0 8 8 and we will be happy to assist you over the phone.
Adaptive Technology Equipment Subsidy
The Beyond Blindness Adaptive Technology Equipment subsidies are intended to assist members gain and maintain independence in daily living, study or employment. Funds are limited, it is anticipated members will exhaust other specific government schemes where available (Employment schemes, NDIS) before applying for funding through the Beyond Blindness.
Here are the guidelines for the Adaptive Technology Equipment Subsidy.
You can submit an online application here: Adaptive Technology Equipment Subsidy Application Form
Recreation and Personal Development Funding
As a Beyond Blindness Member, you may be eligible to access funding assistance for you to participate in a Recreation or personal development program.
You can submit an online application here: SPF Recreation and Personal Development funding applicationV1.2