In most cases, NDIS funding cannot be used to pay family members to provide disability supports, including supports delivered as part of a Supported Independent Living (SIL) arrangement. The NDIA generally expects family members to provide informal support, and will only consider funding family members in exceptional circumstances.
If you are receiving SIL funding and are wondering whether a parent, sibling, partner or other family member can be paid to support you, it is important to understand how the NDIS approaches these arrangements.
Does the NDIS Usually Pay Family Members to Provide Support?
No.
The NDIS generally does not fund family members to provide disability supports because support provided by family and friends is considered an informal support that is part of everyday life.
The NDIA's position is that NDIS funding is usually intended to pay for formal disability supports rather than supports provided by family members in their existing caring role.
Are There Any Exceptions?
Yes.
The NDIA may consider funding a family member to provide supports in exceptional circumstances.
Examples may include situations where:
- There is a risk of harm or neglect to the participant.
- There are religious or cultural reasons for funding a family member to provide supports.
- The participant has strong personal views relating to privacy or dignity.
- Other suitable support options are not available.
The NDIA assesses each situation individually and considers the participant's circumstances, wishes and available alternatives.
Does This Rule Apply to SIL Supports?
Yes.
The same NDIA principles apply regardless of whether supports are delivered through a SIL arrangement or another type of NDIS-funded support.
The fact that a participant receives SIL funding does not automatically allow family members to be paid support workers.
The NDIA would still need to consider whether exceptional circumstances exist and whether funding a family member is appropriate.
Can Parents Be Paid Support Workers?
Usually not.
Parents are generally expected to provide the level of care that would reasonably be expected of a parent.
However, the NDIA may consider exceptions in specific circumstances where there is strong evidence that a paid family support arrangement is necessary and appropriate.
Each situation is assessed individually.
Can a Spouse or Partner Be Paid?
In most cases, the NDIA does not fund spouses or partners to provide disability supports.
As with other family relationships, exceptions may be considered in limited circumstances where there is evidence that alternative supports are unavailable or inappropriate and the arrangement is necessary to meet the participant's needs.
What Evidence Might Be Needed?
If a participant believes a family member should be funded to provide supports, the NDIA will usually require evidence explaining why the arrangement is necessary.
Depending on the circumstances, this may include:
- Allied health reports
- Evidence of support needs
- Information about risks to the participant
- Evidence that other support options have been explored
- Information about cultural, religious or personal considerations
The NDIA considers each request on its individual merits.
What If I Cannot Find Other Support Workers?
Difficulty finding suitable support workers may be relevant to the NDIA's decision-making.
For example, participants living in remote areas or participants with highly specialised support needs may face challenges accessing appropriate supports.
However, the NDIA generally expects participants to explore available support options before funding a family member to provide paid supports.
Can a Family Member Be Paid Without NDIA Approval?
Participants should not assume that NDIS funding can be used to pay a family member simply because the arrangement seems appropriate.
Where a participant believes exceptional circumstances apply, the arrangement should be discussed with the NDIA and supported by appropriate evidence before proceeding.
What Are Informal Supports?
Informal supports are unpaid supports provided by people in a participant's life.
Examples may include:
- Family members
- Friends
- Neighbours
- Community networks
The NDIS recognises the important role informal supports play and considers them when making funding decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my parent be my paid support worker?
Usually no. The NDIA generally expects parents to provide informal support and only considers funding family members in exceptional circumstances.
Can my spouse be paid through my NDIS plan?
In most cases, no. The NDIA generally does not fund spouses or partners to provide supports unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Can SIL funding be used to pay family members?
Not automatically. The same NDIA rules regarding family-provided supports apply to SIL arrangements.
What are exceptional circumstances?
Examples may include risk of harm, cultural or religious reasons, strong personal views relating to privacy or dignity, or situations where other support options are not available.
Does the NDIA assess each case individually?
Yes. Decisions are based on the participant's circumstances, evidence and support needs.
Read: What Is Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Read: How Does Supported Independent Living (SIL) Funding Work?
Read: Can I Receive Supported Independent Living (SIL) While Living With Family?
Read: Can I Live Alone and Receive Supported Independent Living (SIL)?
Read: What Is Disability Support?
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