Changes to Special Disability Trusts

The Australian Government has introduced legislation to change the rules surrounding Special Disability Trusts. The changes aim to give families and carers of people with severe disability more options on how the investment will be used and the Government hopes that  the increased flexibility will encourage more families to establish a Trust.

From 1 January next year:

• People with disability will be able to work up to seven hours a week in the open labour market and still qualify as a beneficiary of a Trust;
• The Trust will be able to pay for the beneficiary's medical expenses, including membership costs for private health funds, and the maintenance expenses of assets and properties; and
• The Trust will be able to spend up to $10,000 in a financial year on discretionary items not related to care and accommodation needs of the beneficiary to support social and community participation of the beneficiary.

Read the media release
Read the Bill and Explanatory Memoranda