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20 Aug 2024
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The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides essential support for people with disabilities in Australia, enabling them to live more independently and participate fully in the community.
For many participants, the best possible scenario would be having a friend or family member as their support worker, providing comfort, convenience, and emotional support. The question is: can a family member be a support worker and receive income from the NDIS?
Here, we'll discuss the policies around family members being paid workers, the role of NDIS “informal supports”, and other income options for loved ones who wish to provide care full-time. Whether you're a participant, a family member, or a carer, this guide will provide valuable insights into navigating the complexities of NDIS support options.
The NDIS & informal supports
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NDIS informal supports refer to the unpaid support that participants receive from family members, friends, and other community members. These supports can include assistance with daily activities, emotional support, and human interaction.
The NDIS typically doesn’t fund informal supports as family involvement can be detrimental, leading to limited respite opportunities for them and diminished care delivery for you. The NDIS must consider the impact of ongoing care and support on your family and the risks this may impose on you.
The NDIS encourages participants to find a formal support worker, especially when complex and ongoing care is required. However, this policy can sometimes be overturned in “exceptional circumstances”.
NDIS exceptional circumstances include:
- Living in a remote area where formal support services are unavailable
- Specific cultural or religious reasons
- Strong personal views
- Risk of harm or neglect if the participant is without a family member’s support
- All other options have been exhausted, e.g. you cannot find a suitable support worker.
NDIS participants should not engage in paid informal supports under their NDIS plan without written approval from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
Other income options for friends & family members
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Alternative income options are available for friends and family members who want to provide care for their loved ones. Services Australia offers various supports and payments to help support workers manage their responsibilities and financial needs.
Carer Payment
Friends and family who provide care for a loved one with a disability can explore the Carer Payment from Services Australia, which offers financial support for those unable to work full-time due to their caregiving responsibilities. This payment is means-tested and provides a steady income to help manage the demands of caring.
You can still receive a Carer Payment if you work, study, or train up to 25 hours a week.
Carer Allowance
The Carer Allowance from Services Australia is a supplementary payment for individuals providing daily care and attention to someone with a disability, medical condition, or an elderly person. Unlike the Carer Payment, this allowance is not income-tested, making it accessible to more carers. It helps support the additional costs associated with caregiving responsibilities, and you can receive up to $153.50 each fortnight.
Carer Supplement
The Carer Supplement from Services Australia is an annual payment provided to eligible individuals receiving the Carer Payment or Carer Allowance. This additional financial support helps carers manage the costs associated with their caregiving responsibilities. The payment is automatically provided, ensuring that carers receive extra assistance without needing to apply separately.
Carers can receive up to $600 annually.
Provide the best care possible for your loved one with our affordable, NDIS-approved products
At Active Mobility, we offer NDIS-approved products that make daily activities easier and more comfortable for carers and participants. From mobility aids to home modifications, our products are designed to enhance independence and improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
Browse through our collection, shop online, and contact us for more information about purchasing products with NDIS funding. Alternatively, book a showroom appointment and chat with our occupational therapists to ensure you receive the ideal products and services for your needs.
