Available support for people with disability

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian Government initiative that supports eligible people with long-term or permanent intellectual, physical, sensory, cognitive and psychosocial disability. Under the NDIS, early intervention supports can also be provided for eligible children with developmental delay.  

The NDIS reassures all Australians that if they, their child or loved one is born with, or acquires a permanent and significant disability, the necessary supports will be provided. A key objective is to help people receive the required support to improve their skills and independence. To achieve this, the NDIS is being introduced progressively across all Australian States and Territories. You can check your eligibility and apply for the NDIS by visiting its website. 

The Disability Support Pension (DSP) provides financial help if you have a permanent physical, intellectual or psychiatric condition that prevents you working.  

To be eligible for DSP, you must first satisfy the medical criteria, meaning: 

There are other eligibility criteria you must satisfy. To apply for DSP, contact your local Centrelink branch and organise an appointment. 

If you are ineligible for both the NDIS and DSP, you can explore other payments. There are different criteria and payment types available for PwD and their carer/s, including: 

Given the COVID-19 crisis, the Australian Government has also increased the Jobseeker Payment. Breakthru will publish an article about these topics shortly. Meanwhile, the types and eligibility criteria of these financial supports can be reviewed by visiting the Services Australia website. 

Disability Employment Services 

A Disability Employment Services (DES) provider, like Breakthru, helps PwD find and maintain employment. This support assists PwD and their employers to introduce workplace practices that are disability friendly. Participating in this service will involve regularly meeting with a trained Employment Consultant to help you learn the required skills to find work that best matches your individual goals and circumstances. 

Eligibility for DES generally follows the same Australian Government payment criteria however, you must likewise: 

• Have a diagnosed disability, injury or illness. 

• Have capacity to work at minimum eight hours per week. 

• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. 

• Not be a full-time student. 

To receive help finding employment, you can access the DES program by registering with Centrelink and obtaining an Employment Services Assessment (ESAt) to verify your condition and capacity to work. 

Mental Health Support 

There are numerous supports available, including institutions like headspace which provide tailored and holistic mental health support to people aged between 12 and 25. 

Breakthru works with headspace in various locations in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria by referring customers to their services. Breakthru likewise accepts referrals from headspace for customers requiring additional disability support, or access to our Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC) and Family Mental Health Support Services (FMHSS) facilities. 

Alternative supports include organisations like:

• Beyond Blue; and, 

• SANE Australia. 

Crisis supports 

Crisis support is short-term and focusses on providing non-judgemental assistance and resources to people experiencing a crisis. This assistance reduces stress and improves people’s capability to manage both their current situation and future crises. Key supports include: 

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 

• Kids Help Line: 1800 551 800 

• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 

How Breakthru can help 

Breakthru understands that accessing disability supports can be a stressful. With over 25 years of experience helping PwD, we have expertise in helping you achieve your best possible social, emotional and physical outcomes. We achieve this by working closely with you, your family, friends and other service providers to ensure your necessary supports are received. 

Breakthru also supports people during the NDIS process. We help customers apply or transition from other programmes into the scheme. Moreover, we can help check your NDIS eligibility, provide preparation for your NDIA meeting, review your NDIS plan, and offer Support Coordination to accomplish your plan quickly and with minimal stress. 

If you cannot access the NDIS due to ineligibility or other reasons, we also offer fee-for-service options. Our fees depend upon the type of supports required. Alternatively, we can offer other supports like DES or FMHSS, or refer you to someone else who can help. 

To receive help applying for the NDIS or obtain general supports in reference to your disability, simply contact our friendly staff today.