What is covered under the NDIS scheme?

So, you’ve satisfied the NDIS access requirements and your application is approved. It doesn’t necessarily mean you are eligible for the NDIS funding yet, though. 

You see, not all types of support required by a person with disability fall under the responsibility of the NDIS. Some supports are funded by the state health systems, while others come from existing public/community services.

In terms of what sort of supports and services are covered under the NDIS scheme, we think it’s best to divide them into three categories:

Core

Support that helps a participant complete daily living activities.

Capital

Support for an investment i.e. assistive technologies, equipment and home or vehicle modifications, or funding for capital costs (e.g. pay for Specialist Disability Accommodation).

Capacity Building

Support that helps a participant build their independence and skills.

In particular, here are some common examples of supports provided / funded by the NDIS:

• Assistance with daily life i.e. help with personal care activities and/or household tasks 
• Increased social and community participation i.e. transport to enable participation in community, social, economic and daily life activities
• Assistive technology, aids and mobility equipment, including set up and training by skilled professionals 
• Home and vehicle modifications
• Support to find and keep a job
• Therapeutic supports i.e. occupational therapy, speech therapy and behavior support
• Health-related supports
• Improved living arrangements 

Broadly speaking, most services offered by NDIS home care providers fall within supports that are covered by the NDIS. So if you are not sure, you can always approach a registered NDIS provider with your approved plan and they shall be able to tailor make a support plan that goes according to your needs. 

Nevertheless, it is still worthy to know what is NOT covered by the NDIS so that you know where to draw the line in terms of expectations 

Generally, the NDIS will not fund a support if it:

• is not related to the participant’s disability
• is the same as other supports delivered under different funding through the NDIS
• relates to day-to-day living costs that are not related to a participant’s support needs
• is likely to cause harm to the participant or pose a risk to others
• can be more appropriately or effectively delivered by another system, such as health or education.

Specifically, keep in mind that the Scheme does not fund the cost of medical care so any diagnostic assessments, treatment, medication, hospital/doctor visits or Medicare gaps will not be supported. These remain the responsibility of the health system, and the NDIS will not meddle with that. 

If you’ve been diagnosed with mental health conditions that resulted in long-term disabilities though, the NDIS does provide support for that. Bear in mind, it’s not just for anyone with a mental health condition – it has to be a mental condition that will experience disability. A psychosocial disability, as the NDIS classifies it. 

If you are still uncertain whether or not the support you require is covered under the NDIS scheme, we suggest getting in touch with a Local Area Coordinator. He or she will be able to give you further advice so as to save you time and effort, when other public or community services are the more appropriate channels.