National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The NDIS is an Australian wide funding scheme for people with significant and permanent disability to enhance their social and economic wellbeing. It’s replacing many of the other funding schemes for children including the Helping Children with Autism and Better Start packages. What is the NDIS? | NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is an independent statuary agency which implements, manage, and deliver the National Disability Insurance Scheme. About us | NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme Quality and Safeguards Commission is an independent agency established to improve quality and safety of NDIS supports and services. What we do | NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (ndiscommission.gov.au)

In order to qualify to access the NDIS a person must be:
The NDIS is gradually rolling out across Australia and is due to be fully rolled out by 30 June 2023.People with a disability must meet certain criteria as determined on an individual basis to receive a package of funding for a year or up to 3 years. The amount of funding that a person will be able to receive through the NDIS varies, as it is tailored to the individual following a needs based assessment. The NDIS is not means tested, and the package of funding, known as a ‘plan’. NDIS funds cannot be used with Medicare or private health fund rebates to pay for the same session. Please see the NDIS website National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) for more information
Helping Children with Autism (HCWA)

The Helping Children with Autism package was a package that provided additional funding to ensure that children aged 0 to 6 years diagnosed with ASD have greater access to a range of early intervention services, including packages of individual assistance. For more information visit website: Department of Health and Aged Care | Autism — Helping Children with Autism program

Children with Autism or Autism like symptoms may also have access to PlayConnect Playgroups. For more information see following website: Home – PlayConnect

Better Start under DSS

Better Start is a package of funding similar to HCWA. This was available to children aged six and under who have a range of conditions listed on the Better Start initiative website You can also find more information on websites: Better Start  Continuity of Support and Grants | Department of Social Services, Australian Government (dss.gov.au)

Other Funding Sources Carer Payment

This is a supplementary payment for carers who provide additional daily care and attention for someone with a disability or medical condition, or who is frail aged. See Carer Allowance – Carer Allowance – Services Australia

National Australian Defence Force Academy Family Health program

PACMAN | Pay and Conditions (defence.gov.au) https://pay-conditions.defence.gov.au/pacman