Understanding your funding options
Accessing the support you need starts with understanding how it can be funded. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing a neurological condition for years, there are several funding pathways available to you which can feel complicated to navigate. Our team is here to help you understand your options, work out what applies to your situation and make the process as straightforward as possible.
Below is an overview of the main funding options available for MS Society SA & NT services. If you're not sure which option is right for you, please get in touch. We're happy to help.
Below is an overview of the main funding options available for MS Society SA & NT services. If you're not sure which option is right for you, please get in touch. We're happy to help.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian Government program that provides individualised funding to people under 65 with a permanent and significant disability.
Rather than funding services directly, the NDIS provides funding to you as the individual giving you choice and control over the supports and providers you use. Funding is tailored to your goals, functional needs and circumstances. The scheme is administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
Rather than funding services directly, the NDIS provides funding to you as the individual giving you choice and control over the supports and providers you use. Funding is tailored to your goals, functional needs and circumstances. The scheme is administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
We are a registered NDIS provider, meaning you can access our services directly through your NDIS plan. Funding is not means-tested. Eligibility is based on disability-related criteria, not income or assets.
You can choose how your plan is managed:
- Self-managed - you pay providers directly and manage your own funding.
- Plan-managed - a registered plan manager helps manage payments on your behalf.
- NDIA-managed - the NDIA pays registered providers directly.
Fee-for-Service
Fee-for-Service is a straightforward private payment option that lets you access our services without government funding or a formal assessment process.
You pay directly for the services you receive giving you full flexibility over what's delivered, when and how often. There are no eligibility criteria or approvals required.
You pay directly for the services you receive giving you full flexibility over what's delivered, when and how often. There are no eligibility criteria or approvals required.
Fee-for-Service may be the right option if you:
- Are waiting for NDIS funding to be approved.
- Have used all available funding or want to conserve funding under your current plan.
- Prefer a private, flexible arrangement.
- Need services not covered under a government-funded program.
Brokerage
If you have Support at Home (SaH) funding that is managed through an external organisation, you may still be able to access our services through a brokerage arrangement. Under this model, we work directly with your funding holder to coordinate and deliver the services you need with invoices sent to your funding organisation rather than to you directly.
In most cases, this means no out-of-pocket costs for you. Your funding holder and MS Society SA & NT will work together to establish a service agreement based on your approved funding and assessed needs.
Brokerage arrangements are most commonly used under the Support at Home program, where your funding is administered by a different approved provider.
Not sure which option is right for you?
Navigating funding can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already managing a MS or other neurological condition.
As a registered NDIS provider, our team understands the funding landscape and can help you identify the right option for your situation, make sense of the process and access the support you're entitled to.
We work across multiple funding programs which means you don't need to start from scratch each time your circumstances change. We're here for the long term, and we'll work with you to make sure your funding continues to support your goals as your needs evolve.
As a registered NDIS provider, our team understands the funding landscape and can help you identify the right option for your situation, make sense of the process and access the support you're entitled to.
We work across multiple funding programs which means you don't need to start from scratch each time your circumstances change. We're here for the long term, and we'll work with you to make sure your funding continues to support your goals as your needs evolve.
Just get in touch and we'll talk you through the options that apply to your situation.
Who we support
Our services are available to people living with multiple sclerosis and other neurological condition in South Australia and the Northern Territory.
Whether you're newly diagnosed and trying to understand your options for the first time or have been living with a neurological condition for years and need to review or update your funding, our team is here to help.
Frequently asked questions
NDIS
Am I eligible for the NDIS?
You may be eligible for the NDIS if you are under 65 years of age, are an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a Protected Special Category Visa, live in Australia and have a permanent and significant disability that substantially reduces your ability to carry out everyday activities. Eligibility is assessed based on functional impact, not diagnosis alone.
How do I apply for the NDIS?
You apply by making an Access Request to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). You can contact the NDIA directly on 1800 800 110 or work with a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) who can help guide you through the process. You'll need to provide supporting medical or allied health evidence confirming your disability and how it impacts your daily functioning.
How long does it take to receive NDIS funding?
Timeframes vary depending on how complete your application and evidence are. Once a complete Access Request is submitted, the NDIA aims to make an eligibility decision within 21 days. From first applying to having an approved plan and funding ready, the overall process can take several weeks to a few months. Delays are common if evidence is missing or additional reports are required.
How should I prepare for my NDIS planning meeting?
Before your planning meeting, think about your day-to-day support needs and what goals you'd like your plan to reflect. Write down the supports you currently use and gather recent medical or allied health reports. You can bring a family member, carer, advocate or support person with you. Planning meetings can be held in person, by phone or via video call.
Can MS Society SA & NT help me apply for NDIS funding?
We can provide assessments and documentation to support an NDIS application however, applications and funding decisions are managed directly by the NDIA. We're unable to apply on your behalf. Once your NDIS plan is approved, we can support you with delivering services under your plan.
Is NDIS funding time-limited?
As of 19 May 2025, NDIS plans can operate over different time periods ranging from 1 to 5 years with funding broken down into monthly, quarterly, bi annual and/or annual budgets.
Plans are reviewed regularly to ensure supports remain appropriate as your needs and goals change.
Plans are reviewed regularly to ensure supports remain appropriate as your needs and goals change.
Can I choose my own NDIS providers?
Yes. Choice and control is a core principle of the NDIS. You can select the providers that best meet your needs, subject to how your plan is managed.
Fee-for-Service
Do I need an assessment to access Fee-for-Service?
No. Fee-for-Service does not require any formal assessment or government approval. Services can start as soon as you're ready.
Please note wait times will vary by therapist.
Please note wait times will vary by therapist.
Can I use Fee-for-Service temporarily while waiting for government funding?
Yes. Many people use Fee-for-Service while waiting for NDIS or Support at Home funding to be approved or to access services not covered under their government-funded plan.
Are Fee-for-Service costs subsidised?
Fee-for-Service is privately funded, there is no government subsidy. Some services may be partially reimbursed through private health insurance, depending on your policy. Check with your insurer for details.
Can I transition to government funding later?
Yes. You can transition to programs like the NDIS or Support at Home once approved. Fee-for-Service is flexible and can be used alongside, or as a bridge to, government-funded supports.
Brokerage
What is a brokerage arrangement?
A brokerage arrangement is where MS Society SA & NT delivers services to you, but the cost is invoiced directly to your funding holder rather than to you. It's most commonly used if you have Support at Home funding that is managed by a different approved provider. In most cases, there are no out-of-pocket costs for you.
How do I set up a brokerage arrangement?
Get in touch with our team and let us know your funding situation. We'll liaise directly with your funding holder to establish a service agreement and ensure everything is in place before services begin.
Get in touch
To find out more about our services, please complete the form below and we will be in contact with you as soon as possible.
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