NDIS means tested: Can income affect your NDIS support?

Employment is a key pathway to greater independence, fostering social connections and enabling meaningful contributions to community life. Besides financial stability, It provides a sense of purpose, achievement, economic participation, and valuable skills development. For people with disabilities, these opportunities are just as vital. For that reason, it’s important to understand how income might interact with your NDIS funding, ensuring you receive the right support while pursuing your goals.

The NDIS is not means-tested, so income does not affect your eligibility or support. The NDIS focuses solely on disability-related needs and provides the necessary support based on the impact of the disability, regardless of your financial situation or income level.

Unlike some other benefits, the NDIS doesn’t consider your income when determining eligibility to the scheme. Instead, it focuses on how your disability affects your daily life and the support you need as a result. However, while your income won’t impact whether you qualify, financial factors can sometimes influence the type or amount of support provided.

Is NDIS means tested?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is structured to help people with disability achieve their personal goals and increase their community involvement. It offers vital support that enables people to lead meaningful, enriched lives, going beyond just covering basic needs.

To be eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), participants need to meet certain access requirements. These criteria include:

• Being an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or holding a special category visa. 
• Having a permanent impairment that significantly reduces their functional capacity or ability to perform daily activities: This may include a physical, intellectual, sensory, cognitive, or psychosocial disability. 

Applicants must satisfy the residency requirements and meet the disability requirements, which confirm the need for reasonable and necessary support to help them lead an independent life.

A distinct aspect of NDIS support is that it doesn’t involve means-testing, so income and assets do not impact someone’s eligibility to the scheme. This ensures that everyone with a significant disability can access the necessary support, regardless of their financial situation. Unlike other welfare programs, NDIS funds focus on need-based assistance, providing equal opportunities without considering financial circumstances.

Does income affect NDIS support?

Income or personal finances generally do not affect NDIS funding, as the scheme is not means-tested. However, there are a few circumstances where financial considerations might play a role in determining NDIS support:

Reasonable and necessary supports

While income does not impact eligibility, the NDIS only funds “reasonable and necessary” supports that are directly related to your disability. If certain disability supports or services are considered ordinary living expenses (like rent, groceries, or basic utilities) they are not covered by NDIS funding, regardless of your financial circumstances. This means you will likely need to fund these yourself.

Co-contribution

In some cases, if a support includes both disability-related and non-disability-related components (such as modifications to a car or home), NDIS supports may cover the disability-related portion, and you might be expected to contribute to the non-disability-related costs.

Assistive technology and equipment

If an item or service exceeds the standard level of funding provided by the NDIS for assistive technology or equipment, and you opt for a more expensive option (e.g., higher-end technology or luxury items), you may be required to pay the difference out of pocket.

Private health insurance

If you have private health insurance that covers certain therapies or disability services, the NDIS may coordinate with these services and only fund the gap between what your insurance covers and what is considered necessary for your disability support.

Can I apply for a job while receiving NDIS?

The scheme encourages and supports NDIS participants in finding and maintaining employment while they are participating in the scheme. As NDIS providers, we offer various support to help you achieve your employment goals, such as job search assistance, workplace modifications, or skills development. If needed, you can also receive help from Disability Employment Services (DES) or access support for workplace adjustments that allow you to perform your job effectively. 

Your NDIS plan can include funding for services that help you prepare for work, apply for jobs, and succeed in the workplace. This could involve support with training, assistance with communication, or even help with managing your disability in the workplace. NDIS funding is not affected by whether you are employed or seeking employment, so you can continue to receive support while applying for jobs.

[Employment & Disability: Everything You Need To Know]

Can I apply for NDIS when I have a job?

If you already have a job and need additional support due to your disability, the NDIS can help with certain needs that go beyond what your employer or a Disability Employment Service (DES) provides.

Employer’s responsibility

Your employer is responsible for making reasonable adjustments to your workplace, such as accessible bathrooms, equipment, or safe work practices. They should also provide any necessary training and modifications to ensure you’re productive and safe at work. The NDIS does not cover these, as they are the employer’s obligation. However, your employer may access funding through the Employment Assistance Fund for workplace modifications.

Disability Employment Services (DES)

If DES helped you to secure your job, they can provide ongoing support to ensure your role is sustainable. They work with you and your employer to address challenges and ensure you have the right support based on your needs and eligibility.

NDIS-Funded supports

The NDIS can fund extra support that your employer or DES doesn’t cover. This includes personal care while at work, occupational therapist assessments, extra training or job-specific support due to your disability, behaviour management support, and modifications to tools or equipment to suit your needs. These disability supports are tailored to help you succeed at work.

If you have any questions about how your income might impact your NDIS funding, our knowledgeable team is here to assist you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today for support and guidance.