For many Australians with a disability, finding suitable support can be key to leading an easier, more independent and fulfilling life. Thankfully, a variety of support services for disability are available throughout the country.
This assistance has been carefully structured to help individuals living with a disability, as well as their loved ones and caregivers, on a regular basis. From home modifications and social groups to respite care and specialist funding, services are tailored to each recipient’s unique needs.
Not sure which services are best for your situation?
We’re here to help.
At Hunter Care Group, our trusted NDIS providers guide participants through disability care every day. In this article, we look at the different support services for people with a disability in Australia. Keep reading to discover the best way forward for you and your family.
NDIS support services for participants with a disability
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) helps those with permanent and significant disabilities to live more independently. Funded by the Australian government and managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), it covers the cost of essential disability support services.
One of the core goals of the NDIS is to empower participants by offering more choice and control over their support services for disability. Therefore, NDIS participants work closely with the NDIS to design and implement a personalised plan that has an allocated budget to pay for the required care and assistance.
Potential supports include core supports to assist with everyday activities, capacity-building supports to develop personal skills and independence, and capital supports to facilitate home modifications. Examples include:
- Help with personal care
- Social participation aids
- Transport services
- Work and study support
- Assistive technology
- Counselling and therapy
The NDIS also offers other types of assistance, like advice on participant rights, access to specialist community groups, employment and education pathways and access to subsidised supports.
As of 31 December 2022, the NDIS was helping over 573,000 active participants to administer their plans.
These disability support services are typically delivered by an NDIS-registered provider such as Hunter Care Group. To learn more, please don’t hesitate to give our friendly team a call at (02) 4950 2269.
Disability Employment Services program (DES)
People with a disability can encounter unique obstacles in the workplace. Employment support exists to help you find, secure and maintain a job you love, no matter your ability.
Specifically, the Disability Employment Services program (DES) assists with job hunting and career development, matching you with the right role and providing ways to build your professional skills. It also supports employers in creating opportunities for potential and existing team members with a disability.
Additionally, JobAccess helps both candidates and employees with a disability to gain more training and occupational skills. If you want more information on the DES and its providers, this is a great place to start.
Financial help from the government
Living with a disability can bring distinct barriers to employment for individuals and their informal carers, plus a range of additional expenses. To ease financial stress, the Australian government funds several programs that help cover necessary costs and make up for a loss of earnings.
Keep reading to discover the different types of financial assistance available.
Disability Support Pension
The Disability Support Pension (DSP) provides financial security to individuals aged between 16 and 65 years old who cannot work due to their disability. It is designed to cover basic living costs, including food, housing, and healthcare.
You can apply for this means-tested support through Centrelink. Note that the amount will vary depending on your income and assets.
Learn more about the Disability Pension in Australia.
Carer Payment
From parents to partners, the Carer Payment provides income support to people who look after someone with a disability every day for at least six months. To be eligible for this payment, the need to provide constant assistance must prevent the carer from being able to work full-time.
The amount of Carer Payment you will receive depends on personal factors like your income and marital status.
The Carer Allowance
The Carer Allowance pays individuals who give extra care to someone with a disability on a daily basis.
Essentially, it aims to offset additional expenses incurred in caring for a person with a disability, including medical and therapy fees, equipment requirements, and incidental costs like transportation. It can also be spent on respite care or other services related to disability.
The Mobility Allowance
The Mobility Allowance centres around assisting individuals with a disability to get from A to B more easily. This funding helps these people to use public transport and other mobility services that might otherwise be inaccessible.
National Companion Card
The National Companion Card is designed for individuals with a disability who need to access significant support within the community. In short, it permits caregivers to access various participating venues and events at no cost. You can apply for these payments through Services Australia.
What is a Local Area Coordinator?
Local Area Coordinators, with their strong community ties, help surrounding residents living with a disability to find and make the most of local services. This includes linking you up with community groups and recreational facilities, like sports clubs.
This contact also plays a key role in guiding participants through the NDIS, helping you to access other support services for disability care according to your distinct needs and goals.
Access disability support services with Hunter Care Group
Knowing what support services are available for people with a disability is only the beginning of your journey towards greater independence and quality of life.
Take the next step with Hunter Care Group. As a registered NDIS provider, we offer support coordination, Supported Independent Living and psychosocial recovery coaching services to participants across NSW, Queensland and Victoria.
To learn more about how we can help you or your loved one, please get in touch with our experienced team today.