Question 1

What type of support does NDIS cover?

Accepted Answer

The NDIS will fund reasonable and necessary supports that help a person living with a disability enjoy an ordinary life.

These supports and services fall into three categories.
Core
 • A support that assists with activities of daily living.
Capital
 • A support for an investment, such as assistive technologies; equipment and home or vehicle modifications; or funding for capital costs (e.g. to pay for Specialist Disability Accommodation).
Capacity building
A support that helps build independence and skills.
 • Common examples of supports provided or funded by the NDIS include:
 • Help with personal care activities and/or household tasks
 • Home and vehicle modifications
 • Assistive technology, aids and mobility equipment, including set up and training by skilled personnel
 • Transport to enable participation in community, social, economic and daily life activities, e.g. workplace, gym or places of learning
 • Support to find and keep a job
 • Therapeutic supports like occupational therapy, speech therapy and behaviour support

Health-related supports (as long as they are a regular part of your patient’s life and the need for them arises from a disability), e.g. continence, diabetic management, dysphagia, epilepsy, nutrition, podiatry, respiratory and wound and pressure care supports (see the Disability-related health supports page for full details).

If you are uncertain if the supports your patient requires are funded by the NDIS, refer the patient to a Local Area Coordinator (http://www.ndis.gov.au/contact/locations)for further advice before proceeding with an Access Request, as other public or community services may be more appropriate.

Question 2

What will not be funded under the NDIS?

Accepted Answer

The NDIS cannot fund a support that is: 
 • the responsibility of another government system or community service  - such as childcare, legal fees, health
 • not related to a person's disability -  such as fences, whitegoods, a new car or Television

Question 3

Does the NDIS cover the cost of health or medical care, like diagnosis, hospital or GP visits?

Accepted Answer

As a general guide, the following health-related services and supports are not provided or funded through the NDIS:
 • Items and services covered by the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), nor Medicare gap fees. 
 • Treatment, services or supports delivered by a doctor or medical specialist, including diagnosis and assessment of a health condition.
 • Items and services provided as part of diagnosis, early intervention and treatment of health conditions, including ongoing care of chronic health conditions.
 • Medically prescribed care, treatment or surgery for an acute illness or injury including post-acute care, convalescent care and rehabilitation.
 • Sub-acute care including palliative care, end of life care and geriatric care.

Question 4

Can I get the DSP or other Centrelink benefits and NDIS?

Accepted Answer

Yes you can still receive the Disability Support Pension (https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/disability-support-pension)along with other income supports and payments such as the Carer Payment, Carer Supplement, Carer Allowance and Child Disability Assistance Payment.

These payments will not be affected if a patient qualifies for NDIS funding (the exception to this is the Mobility Allowance from Centrelink, which may be replaced if your patient’s NDIS plan includes transport-related funded supports).

It’s important to note that someone who is receiving the Disability Support Pension is not automatically eligible for NDIS funding and supports.

Question 5

What happens if my needs change?

Accepted Answer

If your needs or circumstances change your future NDIS plan should accommodate any changes. You can also ask to have your NDIS Plan reviewed at any time.

Your Next Wave Support Coordinator or Recovery Coach can assist you with a plan review, so that you can request a plan that meets your current needs.

Question 6

Can I choose my own services and providers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The NDIS gives you choice and control so you can choose your support provider/s and how your services are delivered.

Your Next Wave Support Coordinator or Recovery Coach can assist you to find services together. And at any time if these services are not the right fit, we can assist you to change them.

Frequently Asked Questions