Beyond the NDIS - PART 1 Not Eligible for the NDIS? 10 Other Ways to Get Disability Support in Victoria

Not being eligible for the NDIS doesn't mean you don't need support. Here's where Victorians can look for help.

For many people living with disability, the NDIS has become synonymous with disability support.

But the NDIS is only one part of Australia's broader disability support system.

The National Disability Insurance Agency itself says there are many other state, territory and Australia-wide programs, as well as community organisations and mainstream services, that may support people with disability.

This is particularly important for people who:

- don't meet NDIS access requirements

- have lower or moderate support needs

- are waiting for an NDIS decision

- have been told they aren't eligible for the NDIS

- are transitioning between support systems

- are children who may be eligible for Foundational Supports

- are older people who may be better supported through aged care.

So, if you don't have an NDIS plan, where can you turn?

Victorian disability and community services

Victoria funds a range of services outside the NDIS.

Depending on your circumstances, support may be available through community health, disability programs, local government, equipment schemes and other state-funded services.

The important thing is not to assume that an NDIS decline means you have nowhere else to go.

1. Home and Community Care Program for Younger People

The Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC-PYP) supports eligible Victorians from birth to 65, and Aboriginal people from birth to 50, to maintain or regain independence, improve health and wellbeing and participate in their communities.

Support can include:

- allied health

- nursing

- personal and in-home support

- social and community engagement

- assessment and connection to services

- linkages and case management.

"Victorian Government — HACC-PYP" (https://www.health.vic.gov.au/home-and-community-care/hacc-program-for-younger-people)

2. Victorian Aids and Equipment Program

The Victorian Aids and Equipment Program (VA&EP) provides subsidised aids and equipment, home modifications and vehicle modifications to help eligible Victorians live safely and independently at home.

Importantly, the Victorian Government specifically states that people with disability who don't meet NDIS eligibility because of age, residency status or level of functional impairment can also apply, provided they meet the program's other requirements.

"Victorian Government — Aids and Equipment Program" (https://www.health.vic.gov.au/supporting-independent-living/victorian-aids-and-equipment-program)

3. Foundational Supports

Australia is developing a broader system of disability supports outside the NDIS called Foundational Supports.

These are intended to provide general and targeted supports for people with disability, families and carers, including people who don't require the NDIS.

One of the first major initiatives is Thriving Kids, which begins rolling out in Victoria from October 2026.

4. Thriving Kids

Thriving Kids is designed for children aged eight and under with developmental delay or autism and low to moderate support needs.

Victoria is introducing the program in stages from October 2026, with the full range of services expected from 1 January 2028.

"Victorian Government — Thriving Kids" (https://www.vic.gov.au/thriving-kids)

5. My Aged Care and Support at Home

For older Australians who are no longer eligible to access the NDIS, disability-related support may be available through the aged-care system.

Support at Home can provide assistance with:

- personal care

- nursing

- occupational therapy

- transport

- respite

- cleaning

- gardening

- shopping

- meal preparation.

"My Aged Care — Support at Home" (https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/support-at-home)

6. Disability Support Pension

The Disability Support Pension (DSP) is an income-support payment for eligible people whose physical, intellectual or psychiatric condition is likely to persist for more than two years and affects their ability to work.

It is not a replacement for NDIS funding, but it can form an important part of a person's broader support system.

"Services Australia — Disability Support Pension" (https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/disability-support-pension)

7. Support for Carers

Support may also be available to the person providing care.

Depending on their circumstances, carers may be eligible for Carer Payment and/or Carer Allowance.

"Services Australia — Carer Payment" (https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/carer-payment)

"Services Australia — Carer Allowance" (https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/carer-allowance)

"Carer Gateway" — Carer Support" (Homepage | Carer Gateway)

8. Employment support

People with disability who don't have NDIS funding can still access employment assistance.

JobAccess provides information, advice and funding pathways for people with disability, including workplace adjustments and the Employment Assistance Fund.

"JobAccess" (https://www.jobaccess.gov.au/)

9. Community and mainstream services

Support can also come from:

- community health

- local councils

- schools and education services

- public health services

- community organisations

- advocacy organisations

- recreation and social programs

- transport services.

The NDIS's own guidance encourages people to explore these systems where appropriate.

No NDIS plan does not mean no support

Perhaps the most important message is this:

Not being eligible for the NDIS doesn't mean you don't have disability-related support needs.

It means you may need to find another support for those needs.

If you have been told you aren't eligible for the NDIS, don't stop at:

“I'm not eligible.”

Ask:

“What support system can help to meet my needs instead?”

That question can open the door to other possibilities.

In the next article, we'll take a closer look at HACC-PYP and how this Victorian program may help people living with disability access the practical support they need to remain independent and connected to their community.

Information current as at September 2026. Government programs and eligibility requirements can change. Always check the relevant government website for the latest information.