It’s great to know that there is help at hand when it comes to paying for your child’s wig and we thank the helpful parents who have shared with us with the pathways of how they found the grants and financial help that is available. We also know of some great groups that provide advice, events and general help that we’re sharing with you on this blog.
The biggest tip we can give you is to always get your quote FIRST, have all your paperwork ready before applying for the grants. Make sure to apply before purchasing – can’t claim retrospectively, it’s highly recommended to get a quote or invoice in advance and then make the application.
Australia Alopecia Areata Foundation (AAAF)
This website provides loads of support and information regarding all forms of alopecia – advice for kids, parents and adults including free camps & fun activities with other kids
AAAF Wigs for Kids program https://aaaf.org.au/wigs-for-kids This program is offered for Alopecia only and provides $400 towards a wig. It’s a wonderful program offered by the Australian Alopecia Areata Foundation.
Alopecia Support Group Perth
https://www.facebook.com/groups/482588098533568
Here in Perth we have our very own support group and our parents have shared that this is a lovely supportive group of people. It’s a great place to ask questions and find out all sorts of things from people who are going through the same as you. The support for parents with kids with alopecia is invaluable and helps the family work through any challenges you may be experiencing. There are social events, and get togethers organised in Perth and rural areas of WA by this group too.
Health Insurance Provider
If you have private health cover ask whether it covers medically necessary wigs/hairpieces. There are various rebates for cancer/ alopecia and they all differ in what is included in a policy, but most provide some rebate for medically necessary wigs/ hairpieces. For example one of our clients were able to claim 75% of costs up to $400 per year with HIF.
https://www.variety.org.au/wigs/
Variety – the Children’s Charity
Provides wigs to kids who have lost their hair due to Alopecia or other long-term medical conditions that cause hair loss. Losing your hair can have profound psychological effects, particularly through childhood and adolescence. One specialised wig can cost up to $6,000 and lasts two to three years so we understand the cost can be prohibitive for many families. Please visit our website https://www.variety.org.au/wigs/ to read our grant guidelines and learn how to apply for a wig or contact the Variety Kids Support Team to discuss the process. Ph: 02 9819 1000 or [email protected]
Hair with Heart – Hair donation program
The funds raised through Hair with Heart, and the proceeds from the hair donated, support Variety – the Children’s Charity’s grants and programs for kids who are sick, disadvantaged or who have special needs.
Variety – the Children’s Charity provides support for kids who lost their hair due to a medical condition, through grants for wigs, funding the Variety Alopecia Areata Adventure Camp and providing therapy grants. If you or someone you know would like to get involved with donating hair, click here for our guidelines. Further information can be found by visiting our website or emailing [email protected].
If you’d like an Information / Grants sheet sent to you please let us know … just send a request to [email protected] and we’ll get a copy to you
