NDIS Support for Parents and Carers: What Help Can You Access?

Updated on June 13, 2026

Caring for a family member with disability affects every aspect of a carer’s life. Australian research reveals concerning statistics about carer wellbeing and burnout. A recent study of caregivers of neurodiverse children found that 82% of participants scored below the national mean on wellbeing measures, with particular dissatisfaction in health and community connection (The Well-being and Support Needs of Australian Caregivers of Neurodiverse Children, 2023). Caregivers scored in the 91.7th percentile for total stress, indicating clinically significant stress levels that far exceed those of parents with typically developing children.

The emotional toll extends beyond stress. Research consistently shows that carers experience chronic exhaustion, social isolation, financial strain, and fear for the future. Many carers report inadequate sleep due to worry, and the constant demands of caregiving often lead to neglect of their own health needs (Bucholc et al., 2023). Perhaps most poignantly, carers frequently express feeling forgotten by the system (Sharafizad et al., 2023).

What the NDIS Does and Does NOT Fund for Carers

The NDIS funds the person with disability, not the carer directly. This fundamental principle shapes all NDIS funding decisions.

The NDIS funds supports that are reasonable and necessary for the participant, related to their disability, value for money, and likely to be effective.

What the NDIS does NOT fund for carers:

• Direct payments to carers for their caring role
• Supports that are the responsibility of other systems (health, education, housing)
• Day-to-day living costs unrelated to disability support
• Carer counselling or wellbeing programs

However, carers benefit indirectly when the NDIS funds supports that reduce caring demands, such as respite care, personal care assistance, and Support Coordination services.

Respite Care: Short Term Accommodation and How to Access It

Respite care, formally known as Short Term Accommodation (STA) in NDIS terminology, provides temporary relief for carers while ensuring the person with disability receives quality care. Research demonstrates that respite care reduces stress, prevents burnout, and improves parental wellbeing and overall family functioning (The Well-being and Support Needs of Australian Caregivers of Neurodiverse Children, 2023).

Types of respite available:

• In-home respite: Support workers come to your home
• Centre-based respite: Day programs or activities
• Short Term Accommodation: Overnight or extended stays in specialist accommodation

How to get respite funded:

Respite must be included in the NDIS participant’s plan. During planning meetings, clearly articulate the intensity of caring responsibilities, the impact on your health and wellbeing, and how respite will benefit the participant (e.g., developing independence, social skills, new experiences). If respite is not initially included or is insufficient, you can request a plan review.

Support Coordination: Navigating the System

Support Coordination is an NDIS-funded service that helps participants and their families navigate the complex disability support system. For carers, Support Coordination can be invaluable in reducing the administrative burden and stress of managing NDIS plans.

What Support Coordinators do:

• Help understand and implement NDIS plans
• Connect participants with appropriate service providers
• Build capacity to use supports effectively
• Assist with plan reviews and funding requests
• Coordinate between multiple service providers

Research indicates that effective Support Coordination significantly reduces carer stress by simplifying system navigation and ensuring participants receive appropriate services (Hurley et al., 2021).

Carer Gateway: Free Government Support for Carers

Carer Gateway is a separate Australian Government program providing free services specifically designed for carers—distinct from the NDIS. This program recognises that carers have their own support needs.

Services available through Carer Gateway include:

• Counselling: Professional support for emotional wellbeing
• Tailored support packages: Practical assistance customised to your situation
• Planned and emergency respite: Both scheduled breaks and crisis support
• Financial support: Assistance with costs related to caring
• Online skills courses: Education on caring strategies and self-care
• Coaching: One-on-one guidance for managing caring challenges
• Peer support groups: Connection with other carers
• Emergency care plans: Preparation for unexpected situations

Carer Payment and Carer Allowance From Centrelink

In addition to NDIS and Carer Gateway supports, carers may be eligible for financial assistance through Centrelink.

Carer Payment:

• An income support payment for people who cannot work full-time due to caring responsibilities
• Requires providing constant care to someone with disability, severe medical condition, or who is frail aged
• Subject to income and assets tests

Carer Allowance:

• A supplementary payment (not income-tested) for people providing daily care
• Can be received in addition to Carer Payment or while working
• Recognises the additional costs of caring

Eligibility depends on the care recipient’s level of need and the carer’s circumstances. Contact Services Australia or visit servicesaustralia.gov.au for detailed eligibility criteria and application processes.

When the Carer Is Also the Parent of a Child With Disability

Parents of children with disability face unique challenges and have access to specific supports. Research shows that parental caregivers experience particularly high stress levels, with mothers often bearing disproportionate caring responsibilities and reporting elevated psychological distress.

Specific supports for parents include:

• Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI): For children under 7, providing developmental support and family capacity building
• School-age supports: Therapy, equipment, and assistance to participate in education
• Capacity building: NDIS funding to help families develop skills and confidence in supporting their child
• Sibling support: Some NDIS plans include funding for activities that benefit siblings affected by caring responsibilities
• Peer support networks: Connecting with other parents through Carer Gateway or community organisations

Parents should emphasise family-centred goals in NDIS planning meetings, highlighting how supports will benefit the entire family unit while focusing on the child’s development and participation.

How to Ask for More NDIS Funding When Caring Demands Increase

Caring needs change over time. Growth, transitions, health changes, or carer circumstances may necessitate increased support.

Steps to request additional funding:

1. Document changes: Keep records of increased caring demands, new challenges, and impacts on wellbeing
2. Gather evidence: Obtain updated reports from therapists, doctors, or educators
3. Request a plan review: Contact the NDIS to request an unscheduled review (don’t wait for the annual review if needs have significantly changed)
4. Clearly articulate needs: Explain how current funding is insufficient and what additional supports are required
5. Focus on the participant: Frame requests around the participant’s needs and goals, while explaining how increased support will reduce risks and improve outcomes
6. Seek advocacy support: Consider engaging an advocate or Support Coordinator to assist with the review process

Research indicates that families often struggle with NDIS planning processes, particularly in regional and remote areas (Veli-Gold et al., 2023). Don’t hesitate to seek assistance from advocacy organisations if you encounter difficulties.

Self-Care Strategies and When to Ask for Help

Carer wellbeing is not a luxury—it is essential for sustainable caring. Research consistently shows that carer burnout compromises both carer health and the quality of care provided (Sharafizad et al., 2023).

Practical self-care strategies:

• Accept help: Use available respite and support services without guilt
• Maintain social connections: Prioritise relationships outside of caring
• Set boundaries: Recognise that you cannot do everything
• Prioritise health: Attend your own medical appointments and maintain healthy habits
• Connect with peers: Join support groups to share experiences and reduce isolation
• Develop emergency plans: Prepare for situations when you cannot provide care

Warning signs you need help:

• Persistent exhaustion or sleep problems
• Feelings of resentment, anger, or hopelessness
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Neglecting your own health
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

Conclusion

Caring for someone with disability is one of the most important roles in our community, yet it comes with significant challenges. While the NDIS funds the person with disability rather than carers directly, substantial support is available through NDIS-funded respite and Support Coordination, as well as separate programs including Carer Gateway, Carer Payment, and Carer Allowance.

Understanding what support is available and how to access it is crucial for preventing burnout and maintaining your wellbeing. Remember that asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it is a necessary step in providing sustainable, quality care for your loved one.

If you are struggling, reach out today. Call Centre Disability Support on 1300 433 661 to discuss how we can help. You do not have to navigate this journey alone.

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References

• Bucholc, J., Enticott, J., Brophy, L., Weller, P., & Inder, B. (2023). How well do the adult social care outcomes toolkit for carers, carer experience scale and care-related quality of life capture aspects of quality of life important to informal carers in Australia? Quality of Life Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-023-03459-1
• Carer Gateway. (n.d.). Homepage. Australian Government. Retrieved June 6, 2026, from https://www.carergateway.gov.au/
• Hurley, P., Hutchinson, C., Bradbury, B., & Vu, L. (2021). Carers’ experiences of the National Disability Insurance Scheme workforce: A qualitative study informing workforce development. Australian Journal of Social Issues. https://doi.org/10.1002/AJS4.181
• Sharafizad, F., Paull, M., Omari, M., & D’Netto, B. (2023). “Being a carer, you just get forgotten!”: Exploring the experiences and opportunities of informal primary carers in Australia. International Journal of Care and Caring. https://doi.org/10.1332/239788223×16789866214981
• The Well-being and Support Needs of Australian Caregivers of Neurodiverse Children. (2023). Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-023-05910-1
• Veli-Gold, J., Devine, A., Dickinson, H., Kavanagh, A., & Vaughan, C. (2023). The experiences of people with disability and their families/carers navigating the NDIS planning process in regional, rural and remote regions of Australia: Scoping review. Australian Journal of Rural Health. https://doi.org/10.1111/ajr.13011