Living with a disability often means navigating a maze of services and supports. Two commonly referenced terms are NDIS and Disability support services —and while they overlap in purpose, they aren’t the same thing. Understanding how the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) differs from other disability care services, including in-home care services and even home care, can empower you or your loved one to access the right help. In this third part of our blog series, we’ll unpack recent developments, clarify distinctions, and give you practical guidance.
1. What is the NDIS And What Makes It Unique?
- NDIS support services are funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme—Australia’s flagship program introduced in 2013 and widely rolled out by around 2020.
- It offers individualized funding packages, meaning the support you receive is tailored to your personal goals and disability-related needs.
Key features:
- You work with a planner to develop a personalized plan.
- The plan can fund a wide range of supports: personal care, assistive technology, capacity building, and access to the community.
- Plans are reviewed regularly to adjust funding as needs change.
NDIS offers a more person-centred, flexible approach than many traditional programs, giving greater control to participants.
2. What Are “Disability Support Services” Generally?
The term Disability support services broadly includes a variety of programs outside the NDIS framework, such as:
- Government-run programs at local or state level, offering support for daily living, transport, or community programs.
- Non-profit and charitable organizations providing Disability care services, day programs, counselling, peer support, or advocacy.
- Traditional care providers offer in-home care services, including assistance with personal hygiene, meal preparation, household cleaning, and mobility support.
- Older persons’ services (e.g., In-Home Care Services in Hawthorne) that may support individuals with disabilities, especially seniors, but generally follow Home Care Act rules and not NDIS provisions.
Key difference: These services often follow set eligibility criteria or rigid program structures, rather than flexible choice-based funding.
3. NDIS and Disability Support Services
| Feature | NDIS Support Services | Disability Support Services |
| Funding model | Participant-controlled, plan-based | Government or provider-controlled models |
| Flexibility | High (choose providers, adapt goals) | More limited, often fixed offerings |
| Range of supports | Broad—personal care, therapy, equipment, goals | Specific—often only personal care or day programs |
| In-home care services | Can be funded through your NDIS plan | Often separately arranged via other systems |
| Accessibility | Providers available under NDIS | In-Home Care may provide disability support for older clients |
4. Why You Might Choose One Over the Other
- Choose NDIS if:
- You’d benefit from individualised funding.
- You want choice and flexibility, selecting your own providers, support hours, or care types.
- You need equipment, therapy, or capacity building support, not just personal care.
- Use Traditional Disability Support Services if:
- You’re not NDIS-eligible or are awaiting access.
- You require in-home care services but outside the NDIS framework.
- You’re an older person (for example, in and around Australia) seeking Home Care services that include disability-related assistance—these follow the Home Care system, not NDIS rules.
5. Recent Updates You Should Know (2025)
- Expanded capacity-building funding: NDIS recently broadened access to therapy, employment supports, and community participation programs.
- Simplified planning process: New “Express Plans” introduced to reduce delays, especially for lower-need participants.
- Better integration with Home Care: Pilot programs in select metropolitan areas (including Victoria and Queensland) aim to coordinate between NDIS and Home-care providers, making transitions smoother for older adults with disabilities.
- More in-home care providers joining NDIS panels, increasing choice and local availability.
6. Navigating Both Worlds—Practical Tips
- If you’re applying for NDIS:
- Gather medical documentation and evidence of functional impact.
- Think ahead about what supports you need, consider therapy, personal care, transport, etc.
- Ask about NDIS support services available in Australia and select those that align with your goals.
- If you’re accessing non-NDIS services:
- Look into local providers of Disability care services—local Health or community centres often have lists.
- For in-home care services, clarify rates, care scope, and whether they’re subsidized.
- If you’re an older adult: explore Home care in Australia providers and check if they provide tailored disability support or assess you for continuing care packages.
- If you’re eligible for both systems:
- Use NDIS for long-term supports, equipment, and goals-based funding.
- Use traditional services for short-term, emergency, or supplemental support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use both NDIS support services and In-Home Care simultaneously?
Yes. If eligible for both, you can use NDIS for personalized goals and equipment while receiving home-care services (like home help) through the In-Home Care system. The two systems are separate but increasingly coordinated.
Q2: What’s the simplest way to find NDIS-approved in-home care services nearby?
Start with the NDIS provider portal or contact the NDIS helpline. You can filter by “in-home care services” and your location (e.g., Victoria and Queensland), seeing availability and reviews of local providers.
Q3: If the NDIS doesn’t cover something, what can I do?
Ask your planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) about alternate funding sources, or check community disability support programs—sometimes charities or local councils offer help for things outside your NDIS plan.
Q4: How often can my NDIS plan be reviewed?
Typically every 12 months or upon significant change (e.g. new diagnosis, change of needs). New streamlined reviews (“Express Plans”) have cut wait times in 2025.
Q5: Are Disability care services subject to quality checks like NDIS providers?
Yes, many are regulated, funded services through state or federal systems must meet standards. NDIS providers are registered and audited under NDIS Practice Standards; home-care disability supports follow In-Home Care Quality Standards.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between NDIS support services and broader Disability support services is key to empowering your independence and well-being. The NDIS gives you choice, flexibility, and personalized control, while traditional services may offer structure and continuity, especially if you’re navigating in-home care services or Home care. With recent improvements in integration and planning, now is a strong time to explore all available options and make informed decisions.