Are Centrelink and NDIS Linked?
If you receive Centrelink payments for yourself or a loved one, you might wonder how the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) affects them. Will your Centrelink benefits change if you get an NDIS plan? This guide will help clear up any confusion and make the process easier to understand.
What is Centrelink?
Centrelink is a government service that provides financial support to Australians who need help covering their living costs. It is run by Services Australia and offers payments such as the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension (DSP), Parenting Payment, and JobSeeker Payment.
Centrelink payments are means-tested, meaning your income and assets determine how much financial support you receive. These payments help people who are unemployed, living with a disability, or retired.
What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government-funded programme that provides support for Australians with a permanent and significant disability. Unlike Centrelink, the NDIS does not provide direct income payments. Instead, it funds essential services such as:
- Therapy and allied health
- Personal care and support
- Assistive technology and home modifications
- Transport for daily activities
The NDIS helps people with disabilities to live more independently, build their skills, and engage with their communities.
Lifely is a registered NDIS provider that has been supporting people with disabilities for more than 40 years. We offer several NDIS-funded disability services, including:
- One-on-one support
- In-Home Support
- Personal Care
- Community Participation
- Day Programs
- Social Groups
- Supported Independent Living
- Plan management
- Support coordination
Check out Lifely’s full range of services.
How are Centrelink and the NDIS Similar and Different?
Centrelink and the NDIS both offer government support, but they work in different ways.
- Similarities: Both programmes provide financial help to eligible Australians.
- Differences: Centrelink provides income support, while the NDIS funds disability-related services. Centrelink payments are means-tested, but NDIS funding does not depend on your income or assets.
Will NDIS Funding Affect My Centrelink Payments?
No. The government does not count NDIS funding as income, so it does not affect your Centrelink payments.
The NDIS provides funding for specific disability support services, while Centrelink helps cover general living expenses. Since NDIS funding is not classed as income, it is not taxed and does not impact benefits like the Child Care Subsidy.
Will Centrelink Payments Affect My NDIS Plan?
No. The NDIS does not consider your income or assets when deciding if you qualify for support. Receiving Centrelink benefits will not reduce your NDIS funding.
If you want to apply for the NDIS, you can submit an Access Request Form online, on paper, or over the phone.
Can I Still Get a Mobility Allowance from Centrelink?
The Centrelink Mobility Allowance was merged into the NDIS when the scheme was introduced. If you have an NDIS plan, you will not receive a separate Mobility Allowance, as the NDIS already covers transport support.
However, if you do not have an NDIS plan, you may still be eligible for the Mobility Allowance if you:
- Are over 16 years old
- Have a disability that prevents you from using public transport without help
- Need transport for work, study, or job seeking
Need Help Understanding Your Options?
Navigating Centrelink and the NDIS can be confusing, but you don’t have to do it alone. Visit the Centrelink website for information about payments, or explore the NDIS website to learn more about available supports.
If you have any questions, get in touch with us today via our online contact form!
