NDIS vs Other Support Schemes Explained

Australia has several schemes that help people with disabilities, injuries, or medical conditions. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), WorkCover, and Transport Accident Commission (TAC) or motor vehicle accident schemes all provide funding, but they work in different ways. Knowing how they compare can help you access the right support.

What Do These Schemes Cover?

Each scheme is designed for different situations and groups of people.

NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)

The NDIS supports Australians with permanent and significant disabilities. It funds services that help people live independently, such as:

• Support workers for personal care
• Therapy, like physiotherapy and speech therapy
• Assistive technology, such as wheelchairs and communication devices
• Home and vehicle modifications
• Community participation and skills development

It does not cover general medical treatments, medicines, or hospital care.

Learn more about the scheme on the NDIS website.

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.

DVA (Department of Veterans’ Affairs)

DVA supports veterans, war widows, and their families. It provides:

• Medical treatment through Gold and White Cards
• Rehabilitation and disability support for veterans
• Home care and nursing services
• Pensions and compensation payments
• Mental health support

DVA also offers help with housing, education, and employment for veterans and their families.

Read more about DVA supports veterans and their families on the dpeartment’s website.

Worker’s Compensation Schemes

A Workers’ Compensation Scheme is a state-based insurance program that provides financial and medical support to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. It covers:

• Medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Payments to replace lost wages
• Lump sum compensation for permanent injuries
• Help returning to work, such as retraining

Each state and territory runs scheme under different names. Click the link below to learn more about your state’s scheme.

• Victoria – WorkSafe Victoria
• New South Wales – State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA)
• Queensland – WorkSafe Queensland
• South Australia – ReturnToWorkSA
• Western Australia – WorkCover WA
• Tasmania – WorkSafe Tasmania
• Australian Capital Territory – WorkSafe ACT
• Northern Territory – NT WorkSafe

Traffic and Motor Vehicle Accident Schemes

A Traffic and Motor Vehicle Accident Scheme is a state-based insurance program that provides financial and medical support to people injured in road accidents. These schemes focus on recovery and rehabilitation, not long-term disability support. They cover:

• Hospital and medical treatment
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Income support if an injury stops you from working
• Home and vehicle modifications if needed

​Each Australian state and territory has its own motor vehicle accident compensation scheme. Click the link below to learn more about your state’s scheme.

• Victoria – Transport Accident Commission (TAC)
• New South Wales – State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA)​
• Queensland – Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC)
• South Australia – Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Insurance Scheme
• Western Australia – Insurance Commission of Western Australia (ICWA)
• Tasmania – Motor Accidents Insurance Board (MAIB)
• Australian Capital Territory – Motor Accident Injuries Commission (MAIC)
• Northern Territory – Motor Accidents Compensation Commission (MACC)

What Is the Difference Between Them?

Each scheme is designed for different situations:

• The NDIS helps people with permanent disabilities, no matter how they got them.
• DVA is only for veterans and their families.
• WorkCover supports people injured or made ill through work.
• TAC and motor accident schemes cover injuries from road accidents.

The NDIS focuses on long-term support, while WorkCover and TAC help people recover and return to work. DVA provides both medical and disability-related services for veterans.

Can You Get the Same Services From More Than One Scheme?

No, you cannot receive the same service from multiple schemes. If one scheme funds a particular support, another will not cover it.

For example:

• If WorkCover pays for physiotherapy after a workplace injury, the NDIS will not pay for the same therapy.
• If TAC funds home modifications after a car accident, the NDIS will not provide extra funding for them.
• If DVA covers prosthetics or medical equipment, the NDIS will not also fund them.

However, you can receive different types of support from different schemes. For example, a veteran may receive medical treatment through DVA but access disability-related support through the NDIS.

Can You Use a Disability Provider That Is Registered for NDIS but Not Other Schemes?

If you self-direct your supports, you may have more choice over who provides them. However, not all NDIS-registered providers are approved under WorkCover, TAC, or DVA.

• If a scheme requires you to use registered providers, you must check whether your chosen provider is approved.
• If you self-manage your NDIS plan, you can use non-registered providers.
• WorkCover and TAC often have their own approved provider lists, so an NDIS provider may not be eligible unless they are also registered under those schemes.

It is important to confirm with each scheme before choosing a provider to avoid any funding issues.

Does Having an NDIS Plan Affect Your Access to Other Schemes?

Having an NDIS plan does not stop you from accessing DVA, WorkCover, or TAC support. However, the NDIS will not fund services that another scheme already covers.

For example:

• A veteran with a DVA Gold Card can receive disability-related NDIS support, but their medical costs must be covered by DVA.
• A person with a TAC claim may later apply for NDIS funding if they have a long-term disability, but the TAC must complete its obligations first.

If you qualify for more than one scheme, it is important to coordinate your supports so you receive the right funding from the right source.

Final Thoughts

These schemes make sure people receive the right support for their situation. The NDIS, DVA, WorkCover, and TAC schemes all have different roles and do not provide duplicate funding.

If you have a long-term disability, you may move from one scheme to another over time. Understanding how they work can help you access the right services and avoid confusion. If you are unsure which scheme applies to you, a support coordinator or case manager can help guide you.