Mental Health Commission
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides support to eligible people with intellectual, physical, sensory, cognitive, and psychosocial disability. The NDIS has been rolled out nationally across all states and territories and is now available to all eligible Australians. The NDIS roll out in all areas of Western Australia was complete as of 30 June 2020.
The Department of Communities, Office of Disability is the lead Western Australian State Government agency working with the Commonwealth and National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to negotiate the WA NDIS full-scheme bilateral agreement.
The Office will also have a role in informing and advising government on the experiences between Western Australians with disability, their families and carers and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
- Office of Disability, Department of Communities
NDIS In-Kind Supports
In-kind arrangements are interim funding arrangements, which were put in place when the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) started rolling out across Australia. Under these arrangements, providers of some disability support programs continue to be paid in advance by state/territory and/or Commonwealth governments to deliver these services. When used by NDIS participants, these pre-paid supports are called ‘in-kind’.
Current Mental Health Commission-funded in-kind supports are:
- Staffed Residential Services (long-term supports)
- Staffed Residential Services (community options).
We are continuing to fund these programs until people have had the opportunity to transition these supports into the NDIS and there is agreement for the Commonwealth to provide individualised funding within their NDIS plan.
We will work with the relevant service providers and government agencies to help make the transition as smooth as possible. People who are not eligible for the NDIS will continue to be supported.
Disability Support for Older Australians (DSOA)
The Disability Support for Older Australians (DSOA) Program replaced the Commonwealth Continuity of Support (CoS) Program on 1 July 2021. The DSOA Program is only open to existing CoS clients. It provides support to vulnerable older people with disability who are not eligible for the NDIS.
Further information can be found on the Commonwealth DSOA website and Aged Care website.
National Psychosocial Support Assistance
The Commonwealth Government funds programs to provide psychosocial support people with severe mental illness and complex mental health needs via the Commonwealth Psychosocial Support Program.
WA Primary Health Alliance
The WA Primary Health Alliance commissions mental health services from a wide range of providers including community managed organisations and health service providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are receiving a service from a community mental health clinic, a Commission-funded community service or other State or Commonwealth-funded mental health program, you can ask your provider for help. Your GP may also provide some direction and guidance about the steps required. You may also be eligible for the NDIS if you are not currently receiving these types of services.
Use the NDIS Eligibility checklist to confirm your eligibility and learn how to apply.
The NDIS website will help you understand what is happening in Western Australia and inform you of services available to help you test your eligibility.
Visit our Getting Help page for information on other mental health and alcohol and other drug services across Western Australia.
Page last updated6 May 2025
