What does continuity of support mean?
Disability programs and services are different in each state and territory and the way that governments ensure continuity of support is tailored to each program or service.
A number of disability support programs will continue once the NDIS is introduced and people accessing these programs will continue to access the same supports if they do not become a participant in the NDIS.
Some disability programs, especially specialist disability services, will be rolled into the NDIS.
Governments have committed to ensuring people with disability who are currently receiving services are not disadvantaged in the transition to the NDIS.
Each government is responsible for providing continuity of support within the programs that government funds.
People over 65
People who are aged 65 years and over and do not meet the age requirements to access the NDIS may be eligible for support under the Commonwealth Continuity of Support Programme.
The Continuity of Support Programme will support people with disability that are:
- 65 years and over or 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, at the time the NDIS rolls out in their region; and
- assessed as being ineligible for the NDIS at the time the NDIS rolls out in their region; and
- an existing client of state-administered specialist disability services at the time the Continuity of Support Programme commences in their region.
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for the Commonwealth Continuity of Support Programme, we suggest you contact My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 (freecall). Staff at the contact centre will be able to help you understand the steps required to seek care and support.
People living in an accommodation service
In most cases, the NDIA will work with accommodation services to transition all residents at the same time. Where a person does not meet the NDIS access requirements, they will be offered continuity of their support. This means that where the person and the service provider wish to continue the current accommodation support, the person will be able to remain in their current living arrangements. In this discussion, the resident may indicate they wish to change their current living arrangements or the provider may indicate they are no longer able to provide a service to the resident. In these circumstances, the person will be supported to move to another appropriate accommodation option.