Grants & Payment Plans

Grants

As Industry leaders, we often get asked for advising and guidance in receiving Government Assistance. There are several different Government Grants and Schemes that can be accessed. There are quite a few different options, and it can be quite tricky to determine what you may be eligible for. To try and make it a little bit easier, we have provided some information on the larger schemes. Please keep in mind that these change frequently and that the information on the page may not be up-to-date.

NDIS

Motobility is Registered Provider of the NDIS

There has been a lot of media attention on the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), and it has been referred to as the most significant health reform since MediBank. Whether you love it or hate it the NDIS is here to stay and is making substantial changes that could be affecting you.

One of the main questions we get asked is in terms of eligibility and what is covered under the scheme.

Eligibility

If you are currently receiving services or supports from the government through organisations such as SilverChain, Bethanie, Amana Living, Brightwater, MercyCare etc., it is a good idea to speak to your current OT (Occupational Therapist), Case Manager or Case Coordinator.

To determine if you are eligible for the NDIS is based on the below criteria. If you answer Yes to them, you are most likely eligible to receive services and should get in touch with the NDIS on 1800 800 110.

1. Are you over 7 and under 65 years old? If you are over 65 years, please see Home Care Packages below
2. Do you live in Australia and an Australian Citizen or resident or permanent visa holder?
3. Do you usually require help or support from a person, due to a permanent and significant disability? This could be a Physical, Intellectual, Sensory, Cognitive or Psychological impairment.
4. Do you use specialised aids or equipment because of a permanent and significant disability?
5. Do you believe supports now will reduce your future needs in the future?
   
   

If based on the above you have come to the conclusion that you are eligible for the NDIS and would benefit from having a personalized NDIS Plan, you will need to submit an application, known as an Access-Request, to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), who is the government body responsible for assessing each application. This can be done by calling 1800 800 110. For assistance in filling in the form or making the phone call, you can contact your Local Area Coordinator or local NDIA office. To find the nearest office click here

Please note: The NDIS is being rolled out in WA. As of the 1st of July 2019, all of WA should be covered by the NDIS.

As part of your Access Request, you will be asked to provide information about yourself, such as age, residency as well as information on consent and privacy. You will also be asked to provide additional information on your disability via email or mail. For more in-depth information on the application process, please visit https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/how-apply

Frequently Asked Questions

We often get asked many questions regarding the NDIS. Apart from Eligibility the below sum up some of the most common questions.

• How long does the NDIS application process take?
  The NDIS website states that once all supporting documents for the Access Request have been received, each application should be processed within 21 days. However speaking to the NDIA, we have been informed that due to the backlog and the on-boarding process of different states and territories in Australia, the application process can currently take up to 3 months.
  
  
• How long does it take to get funding approved for Assistive Technology (AT)?
  This is one of the harder to determine timeframes as there is the case by case scenario’s based on urgency. As a general rule, this process is currently taking longer than desired due to the large amount of back-log in the Assistive Technology area. At the beginning of August 2019, we have been informed by the NDIA that it can take up to 6 months for AT applications to get processed and approved. Some recent improvements include the reduction of quotes required for the application process (now two quotes), and replacement technology has a simplified application process. 
  
  
• What services and supports can I ask for as part of my NDIS Plan?
  Everyone has different abilities and different needs. The aim o the NDIS Plan is to determine the best ways to meet your short, medium and long-term goals. Funding is always based on “reasonable and necessary” to assess services and supports to achieve your goals in addition to supports you are receiving from friends and family.
  
  The three “budgets” that may be included in your Plan are
  
  1. Core supports budget
  This is the most flexible part of your funding. The amount of flexibility will depend on how you have chosen to manage each of the categories in your budget. You may have selected to Self-manage your services, asked the NDIA to manage services or engaged a third party to manage your services
  
  This budget includes four categories of support
  
  a. Consumables,eg. Continence aids, low-risk assistive technology and equipment
  b. Daily Activities,eg. Assistance with self-care activities during the days, such as meal preparation
  c. Assistance with Social and Community Participation,eg. Services to help you engage in social or recreational activities
  d. Transport,eg. If public transport is not a viable option
  
  2. Capacity Building budget
  This focuses on building your longer-term independence and skills, such as undertaking development and training to obtain employment or build up new skills, for everyday, such as learning to use public transport independently. 
  
  This budged is also where Assistive Technology and equipment funding is located. This can be used for Mobility Equipment, Vehicle Modifications, Home Modifications or funding to access specialist disability accommodation.
  
  3. Capital Support budget
  Funds within the capital support budget can only be used for the specific purpose in the participant plan and can not be used for anything else. You will require quotes or specialist reports before funding will be made available.
  
  
• My application has been declined; what are my options?
  If you feel like a decision made is incorrect, you can request an application for an internal review of an outcome. It’s best to speak with your OT and discuss the outcome before moving forward. To find out more about how to lodge an internal review click here

Home Care Packages

Home Care Packages (HCP) are a way that older Australian can access affordable services to get assistance around the home. These are designed to cater for more complex needs and can include allowances for Assistive Technology (AT) at higher levels.

The HCP’s have been divided into four levels. Based on an assessment, it will be determined what level care is applicable, and services and funds will be allocated accordingly. The table below will give you an overview of the different Levels and their inclusions

Eligibility

Eligibility is determined through a two-step assessment process, which assists in creating an understanding of your needs and what services will help you on a day to day basis to stay living independently in your home. The first step is a phone call, which is then followed by an in-person assessment.

To start the process, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422. Ensure you have your Medicare card ready and allow 10 minutes for the call. You will be asked a few questions about your needs and circumstances, such as questions on 

• Your health,
• How you are managing at home
• Any support you are currently receiving, including help from family and friends
  
  

If you feel nervous about the call, you can have a family member or friend assist you during the call if they have your consent, they can also talk on your behalf. You can also appoint a representative on an ongoing basis to speak with My Aged Care on your behalf.

After the call has been concluded the information that you have supplied will be used to assess if you are eligible for a face-to-face assessment. The in-person assessment will assist in determining precisely what you need and inform you about the different services that are currently available. If you have immediate/urgent needs, you may be directly referred to services before your assessment takes place.

If it has been determined that you are eligible for an in-home assessment, you will receive. There are two assessments

1. In-home support assessment with Regional Assessment Service (RAS)
   If it sounds like you are in need o low-level support to assist you in staying independent in your home, you may be recommended to receive a RAS assessment. This will lead you down the Commonwealth Home Support Programme pathway. 
   
   
2. A comprehensive assessment with an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT)
   This assessment is more in-depth and is used to provide you access to

• Home Care Packages
• Short-term care options
• Aged care homes

Regardless of which assessment you have been recommended, it is a good idea to be prepared for the assessment to allow it to run smoothly and be less stressful. You can have a support person present during the evaluation; this can be an excellent idea as they may think of different questions to ask and may have a different perspective. Also, try and have the below information ready at hand

• Your Medicare card plus one other form of ID such as a DVA card, healthcare card, passport or current drivers license
• Have a copy of any doctor referrals
• Contact details of your GP and any other healthcare professionals that you see regularly
• Think about all the support you currently receive, making a list is an excellent idea
• Think about any questions that you may have and note them down, to ensure none get missed
  
  

During the Assessment, you may be required to complete some paperform as well as provide some information about yourself and your circumstances. If you have an ACAT assessment, you will be required to fill out a form, which is an Application for Care form. Regardless of which assessment you are having the Assessor will have a copy of the information that you have supplied during the phone call making it easier to get started and eliminating the need for you to repeat yourself. They will ask you questions about

• Any supports you are currently receiving and if these can continue
• Your concerns, lifestyle and current health
• Which daily task you enjoy and complete and which are becoming too difficult
• If you have problems remembering things
• Any issues relating to your home and personal safety
• Any family and community activities that you are attending or would like to be attending and issues that may currently stop you from attending these
• Contact your GP or health professionals
  
  

The Assessor may also supply you with the possible costs of your services.

You will work with your Assessor to develop a support plan, which records what you have discussed and agreed upon during the meeting. This will include items such as 

• Your strengths
• Your main struggles
• What your goals are and what you want to achieve
• What your service preferences are

Ensure you ask the assessor any question you may have to ensure you are very clear on what is available and to be able to communicate your preferences. Some of these questions maybe

• Are there any supports available for my current carer/carers?
• Are there service providers that speak particular languages or have specific religious or cultural beliefs?
• How to get in touch after the assessment
  
  

Costs

If you can afford to contribute, you are expected to do so. Your contribution is made up of three types of fees:

1. Basic daily fee (up to 10.54 per day)
   You may be required to pay a basic daily fee based on the HCP level you are currently receiving
   
   
2. Income-tested care fee (up to $30.25 per day)
   You may also be subject to a means-tested fee. If you have to pay it and how much you have to pay, will depend on a formal income assessment that will be conducted by the Department of Human Services. If you are asked to pay this fee, it’s good to know that there are annual limits as well as lifetime limits on how much you can be asked to contribute.
   
   
3. Additional fees
   These are any other fees that you have agreed you would pay for services that aren’t covered by your HCP.

To find out more about the fees or try to home-care fee calculator you can visit the My Aged Care website here 

Waiting Periods

Standard processing/waiting times apply to get the HCP approved. Packages are allocated, based on the approval date shown in the letter sent to you by the Aged Care Assessment Team ( ACAT). You will also be assigned a priority level, based on the urgency of your needs. Standard current waiting times (based on the latest revision, 31May 2019) are outlined in the table below.

If there are urgent care needs will be flagged as a high priority, This ensures they get access to care quicker. You can check on your place in the queue my locking into your client records using MyGov or calling My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

If you need to get care sooner, there are a few different options that you can explore.

1. Apply for an Interim package
   This is an HCP of a lower level than the one you’re approved to receive. Waiting periods can be shorter for lower levels. Agreeing to receive an Interim package will let you keep your place in the queue, but will allow you access to some services while you wait. 
   
   Expected waiting periods for Interim package are as below

2. The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP)
The CHSP assists senior Australians in accessing entry-level support services to live independently and safely in their homes. To find out more about the CHSP click here

3. Private services

This may be an option if you need care while waiting for your application to be processed, these services aren’t subsidised or regulated by the Australian Government, and you will have to pay the full cost to access these services, regardless of your care needs or financial situation. To find out more about Private Services click here