Is NDIS Means Tested
No, the NDIS is not means-tested. This means the government does not look at how much money you earn or how many assets you own to decide if you can get support. Your bank balance, your house, and your weekly pay do not change your NDIS funding. The scheme is based only on your disability and the support you need to live your life.
TL;DR: Money And The NDIS
The NDIS is very different from other government payments like the Age Pension or Newstart. For those payments, the government checks if you are "too wealthy" to get help. The NDIS does not do this. Whether you are a millionaire or have no money at all, you get the same access to the scheme.
The goal of the NDIS is to help you participate in the community. This includes helping you find a job and earn your own money. The government wants you to work. Because the NDIS is not means-tested, you can earn a high salary and still keep every cent of your NDIS budget. We help you manage your funds so you can focus on your career goals without worrying about your budget dropping.
The Difference Between NDIS and Centrelink
Many people get confused between the NDIS and Centrelink payments. It is important to know that they are two separate systems. They have very different rules about money.
The NDIS: This is for services and supports. It pays for things like therapy, wheelchairs, and support workers. It is managed by the NDIA. It is not means-tested.
The Disability Support Pension (DSP): This is for living costs. It pays for your food, rent, and bills. It is managed by Centrelink. It is means-tested.
If you start a job and earn a lot of money, your DSP payment might go down or stop. However, your NDIS funding will stay the same. The NDIS is there to help you stay at work, not to punish you for being successful.
Why Your Assets Do Not Matter
An "asset" is something expensive that you own. This could be your family home, a second house, a car, or money in a superannuation fund. When you apply for the NDIS, you do not have to tell them about these things.
The NDIS only cares about your "functional capacity." They want to know how your disability affects your daily life. They do not care if you live in a mansion or a rental apartment. Your NDIS plan is built around your goals, like learning to drive or moving out on your own. It is not built around your wealth.
Does Working Affect Your NDIS Plan?
The NDIS actually loves it when participants work. One of the main goals of the scheme is "social and economic participation." This is a fancy way of saying they want you to be part of the workforce.
If you have a job, the NDIS might even give you more support. They can fund things that help you do your job better, such as:
Personal care at your workplace (like help with eating or using the bathroom).
Special equipment for your office desk.
A support worker to help you travel to and from work.
Training to help you learn new skills for a promotion.
When Does Money Actually Matter?
There is only one time when money might change your NDIS funding. This is called a "Compensation Offset." This happens if you receive a large sum of money from a legal case.
If you were in a car accident or a work accident and got a big pay-out for your disability, the NDIS will look at that. They might reduce your funding because that pay-out was meant to cover your future care. This is the only time the NDIS considers your financial situation. You can read more about compensation rules on the official NDIS website.
Does Your Partner’s Income Count?
Many people worry that their husband, wife, or partner earns "too much" money. For many Centrelink payments, your partner's income can stop you from getting help. This is not true for the NDIS.
The NDIS treats you as an individual. Your partner can be very wealthy, and it will not change your NDIS plan. The scheme is designed to give you independence. It ensures you do not have to rely only on your family to pay for your disability supports.
Reasonable And Necessary vs. Costly
Even though the NDIS is not means-tested, they still watch how the money is spent. Every support in your plan must be "reasonable and necessary." This means the NDIS will pay for what you need, but not for "luxury" versions of things.
For example, if you need a wheelchair for your disability, the NDIS will pay for a high-quality one that fits your needs. But if you want a version that has "luxury" features that are not related to your disability, you might have to pay the extra cost yourself. This is called a "co-contribution." You can see the NDIS price guide to see how they set these limits.
Why Plan Management Is Good For Working Participants
If you have a busy job, you probably do not have time to chase invoices and fill out government forms. Managing an NDIS plan can feel like a second job. This is where we come in.
Kera’s Plan Management handles the boring parts of the NDIS. We pay your providers and keep your records tidy. Because we are a small business, we can give you personal support that fits around your work schedule. You can see our list of services to see how we make life easier for busy people.
How To Apply Without Financial Stress
You do not need to bring bank statements or tax returns to your NDIS meeting. You only need to bring evidence of your disability. This includes reports from your doctor, therapist, or specialist.
Focus on telling the NDIS what you want to achieve. Do you want to work more hours? Do you want to join a local sports club? The NDIS is there to fund the help you need to reach those goals. If you are ready to start, you can Contact Kera’s Plan Management for a chat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay tax on my NDIS funding?
No, NDIS funding is not considered "income." You do not have to report it to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). It is tax-free money that is meant only for your disability supports.
Can I get the NDIS if I own my own home?
Yes, owning a home does not stop you from getting the NDIS. In fact, the NDIS might even pay for home modifications, like ramps or rails, to make your house safer for you.
Does my NDIS funding affect my child care subsidy?
No, your NDIS plan and your Child Care Subsidy are completely separate. One does not change the other.
What if I win the lottery?
If you win the lottery, you can keep your NDIS funding. Because the scheme is not means-tested, a sudden windfall of money does not change your eligibility for disability support.
Is the NDIS the same as the "Disability Pension"?
No. The NDIS pays for support services. The Disability Support Pension (DSP) is a cash payment for living costs. They are two different programs run by two different parts of the government.