The basics
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian Government program for eligible people with permanent and significant disability. It gives participants more choice and control over the supports they receive, funded through an individual NDIS plan rather than a one-size-fits-all service.
An NDIS plan is personal to you. It considers your goals, your everyday needs and the people already in your life, then sets out funding across three support types — core supports, capacity building and capital supports — explained below.
OdysseyCare is a registered NDIS provider (registration 4050173099) delivering supports across all three funding types, across Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, Melbourne and regional Victoria — from everyday disability services and community programs, through to Aboriginal-led, culturally safe support through OdysseyCare Murrup.
Before you apply
The NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) sets the eligibility rules. As a general guide, you may be eligible if:
Every situation is different, and eligibility rules can change — the NDIS website (opens in a new tab) has the full criteria, or you can about your situation.
Your NDIS plan
Funding is designed to help you work towards the goals in your plan. Depending on your individual needs, it may be provided across three main areas.
The most commonly used funding type. It covers help with everyday activities, personal care, household tasks, transport to appointments or the community, everyday consumables, and social or community participation. Core supports funding is flexible and can generally be moved between these categories as your needs change.
OdysseyCare core supports include personal assistance and in-home support, household and domestic assistance and travel and transport assistance.
Funding to help you build skills and independence over time — including support coordination to help you use your plan, therapy and daily-living skill development, and support to find or keep a job. Unlike core supports, capacity building funding is generally set aside for its specific purpose and cannot be moved between categories.
OdysseyCare capacity building supports include support coordination, psychosocial recovery coaching and employment support.
Funding for higher-cost items, such as assistive technology and equipment, home or vehicle modifications, and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). These supports usually need an assessment or quote from an occupational therapist or other allied health professional before the NDIA will approve funding.
Our support coordination team can help you work out what you need and connect you with the right assessors.
Every NDIS plan is managed one of three ways, and it does not change what supports you can access with OdysseyCare:
You can also access OdysseyCare as a privately funded client without an NDIS plan, or through a referral from a health, education or community service.
Not sure where to start?
Answer two quick questions and we will point you to the OdysseyCare service area that best matches what you are looking for.
1. Are you looking for culturally specific support for an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person or community?
2. What kind of support are you after?
Recommended for you
Getting started
It is okay if the NDIS feels new or complicated. Start with the step that makes sense for you, and ask for help along the way.
Visit the NDIS website, speak with the NDIA, or ask our team — we can talk through whether you are likely to qualify before you apply.
Provide information about your disability, how it affects your daily life, and the support you need. Supporting letters from your GP or allied health team can help.
Meet with an NDIS representative or Local Area Coordinator to discuss your goals, your current supports and the funding you will need to work towards them.
Once your plan is approved, choose your providers. OdysseyCare can support you across disability services, community programs and Murrup Indigenous services — or use our 2-question matcher above to find the right fit.
You do not have to navigate it alone
Whether you already have an NDIS plan or are exploring your options, our team can help you understand the supports we offer and find a practical next step.