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As the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) rolls out in each state and territory, most Commonwealth disability programs will end.
In March 2019, the Australian Government announced that Commonwealth funding for most transitioning programs has been extended up to 30 June 2020 to help providers support their eligible clients remaining in programs to transition to the NDIS.
Additional information on the extension arrangements is available.
People who are eligible for the NDIS will access their services and supports through their NDIS plan, ensuring supports meet their individual needs. Anyone who currently accesses a Commonwealth disability program who is ineligible for the NDIS will continue to receive their supports through Continuity of Support arrangements. In most cases, this will be through existing arrangements where programs are still operating.
A range of Commonwealth disability programs are affected as the NDIS continues to roll out. Find out more about what is happening to these Commonwealth disability supports at the program links below.
Apply for NDIS
Getting an NDIS plan in place can take time, so it's important to start the process early. Contact NDIA to test your eligibility.
Children & Youth Support
Better Start for Children with disability
Helping Children with Autism
Disability Employment Assistance
Work-based Personal Assistance
Other support and payments
Mobility Allowance (MOB)
National AUSLAN Interpreter Booking and Payment Service (NABS)
Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS)
Hearing Services Program
Continuity of Support
Anyone who currently accesses one of the Commonwealth disability programs moving into the NDIS and who is found not eligible for the NDIS will continue to receive supports through Continuity of Support arrangements.
People need to meet the NDIS eligibility criteria. People over the age of 65 and non-residents are not eligible for the NDIS.
Continuity of support arrangements will be different for different programs and services. The arrangements for these supports may also change over time.
You can find out more about Continuity of Support arrangements for the Commonwealth disability supports you access at the links above.
Read the Continuity of Support fact sheet.
Extension of funding for transitioning Commonwealth disability programs
The Australian Government provides support for Commonwealth clients transitioning to the NDIS.
In March 2019, the Government announced it would extend funding up to 30 June 2020 for most Commonwealth disability programs with clients yet to transition to the NDIS. This extension will ensure these clients continue to be supported and are given the additional time they need to transition.
Given the diverse nature of the programs, there will be differing extension arrangements for each group of programs.
Find out more about the extension arrangements in the Frequently Asked Questions.
It is important to note that no new clients will be accepted into Commonwealth disability programs from 1 July 2019 in areas where the NDIS has rolled out, except for clients of the Helping Children with Autism (HCWA) and Better Start for Children with Disability (Better Start) programs which have different transitioning arrangements.
An Australian Disability Enterprise may be approved to receive case-based funding for an NDIS participant waiting for a plan or a plan review under transitional arrangements as announced on 31 January 2019. These arrangements will be available on application and approval until 30 June 2020.
All clients of Commonwealth disability programs are expected to transition by 30 June 2020.
Test your eligibility
People with disability are encouraged to contact the NDIA to test their eligibility for the NDIS. Getting an NDIS plan in place can take time, so it's important to start the process now.
Contact the NDIA to start the process and for more information.
Last updated: 6 August 2020 - 11:13am