State Funding

State Funding

In July 2016, the NDIS finished its trial period and the full Scheme began rolling out across Australia. Many people are now able to access funding for AAC devices through the NDIS. However, in some areas the NDIS is yet to rollout, or is not yet available to all eligible participants. Those who do not yet have an NDIS plan, or who are not eligible to become an NDIS participant, may be able to access funding for AAC devices through a state-based funding scheme.

The information below outlines the current availability of the NDIS in each state & territory, and access to other state-based schemes (current as at July 2018). Full availability indicates that the NDIS has officially rolled out to all areas of the state. However, there are still many eligible participants who cannot yet access NDIS funding due to extensive waiting times for initial planning meetings or other rollout delays. 

If the NDIS is not yet available in your area, or if you are not eligible for the NDIS, you may be able to receive funding through the relevant state-based schemes. All state & commonwealth schemes require that your application for an AAC device is submitted by a qualified speech pathologist, following a suitable trial period. Please see each funding body’s website for specific application criteria.

For the most up to date information on the rollout of the NDIS in each state, please visit the NDIS website

State NDIS Availability State Funding Schemes for AAC Devices
QLD
  • From 1 January 2019: Caboolture, Strathpine, Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, Noosa & Gympie.
  • Available now in all other areas.

Medical Aids Subsidy Scheme (MASS) (includes CAEATI)

  • MASS has ceased accepting applications from people residing in areas where the NDIS is now available. 
NSW Available now in all areas

EnableNSW - Aids & Equipment Program

  • Enable NSW continues to provide assistance for people 65+ years or who are not eligible for the NDIS. 
  • As of April 2018, the EnableNSW Speech Generating Device (SGD) Loan Pool is no longer operational. 
ACT Available now in all areas
VIC
  • From 1 September 2018: Southern Melbourne.
  • From 1 October 2018: Brimbank Melton & Western Melbourne.
  • From 1 January 2019: Goulburn, Mallee & Outer Gippsland.
  • Available now in all other areas

Yooralla – Electronic Communication Devices Scheme

  • ECDS will cease processing new applications for NDIS participants from August 1, 2018.
  • ECDS continues to support people age 65+ years, and others who are not eligible for the NDIS. 
TAS
  • Available now to eligible people aged between 0 and 49 years.
  • From 1 January 2019: adults aged 50 to 64.
  • By 1 July 2019: all eligible Tasmanians.
WA WA NDIS clients
  • People already taking part in the WA NDIS will transfer to the nationally-delivered NDIS in a phased approach from April 2018, concluding by December 2018. For transfer dates visit the NDIS website. People transferring from the WA NDIS to the nationally delivered scheme will be contacted by the WA Government to advise them of the next steps.

New NDIS clients:

  • Available now in Mundaring, Kalamunda & Swan in the Perth Hills region, Bassendean, Bayswater, Toodyay, Chittering, Northam and York.
  • From 1 July 2018: Wheatbelt & Central South Metro.
  • From 1 October 2018: Goldfields-Esperance, North Metro & South West.
  • From 1 July 2019: Midwest Gascoyne, Great Southern, Central North Metro & South East Metro.
  • From 1 July 2020: Christmas Island & Cocos (Keeling) Islands .

Community Aids and Equipment Program (CAEP)

  • Those who have not yet transitioned over to WANDIS or NDIS will remain eligible for CAEP funding until this transition occurs. CAEP eligibility criteria can be found in this document here
  • CAEP also offers a “Trial and keep” through the Independent Living Centre WA – visit their website for more information
SA Available now in all areas; however, due to a number of factors including the challenge of identifying appropriate Partners in the Community to support planning outcomes at the required pace, the transition will take longer than scheduled. The SA government has agreed that they will maintain current funding arrangements until participants receive an approved NDIS plan.

Domiciliary Equipment Service - DHS Equipment Program 

To be eligible, the person must be permanently residing in SA and eligible for services through Disability Services, Domiciliary Care, Novita Children's Services (Novita) or Minda Inc.

NT Available now in all areas
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