Childhood disability and parenting support
5-minute read
Key facts
- There is support available for parents and carers of children with disabilities.
- Support is available through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and government payments for carers.
- State and Territory and non-profit support services are also available.
What is disability and parenting support?
If you are caring for a child with a disability, there is support available to you. This page will help you find and get the right support for your family.
The government support you get depends on where you live. Some support is for everyone in Australia. Other support is provided by state and territory governments.
National Disability Insurance Scheme
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) supports children with disabilities and their families.
The aim is to help your child in their daily life from a very early age. This will help them reach their goals and reduce the impact of their disability for the future.
The NDIS is available across Australia. You can check whether your child is eligible at the NDIS website.
Other financial support
There are also government support payments available to help if you care for a child with a disability.
Payments for carers
Most financial support services are coordinated by Centrelink. You may be eligible to receive:
- Carer Payment — a payment if you give constant care to someone who has a disability.
- Carer Allowance — a fortnightly payment if you give daily care to someone who has a disability.
- Child Disability Assistance Payment — a yearly payment for each child who qualifies you for Carer Allowance.
There are a range of other payments for carers. Visit the Services Australia website for more information.
Financial support for health care
Medicare helps Australians with the cost of health care. You can find out what Medicare will pay for at Services Australia.
You can get extra financial support through the Medicare Safety Net. When you spend over a certain amount on medical costs in one calendar year, you get a higher amount back from Medicare.
You may also be eligible for a Health Care Card. This gives discounts on prescription medicines. It may also give you concession prices on things like public transport and utility bills.
Respite care
You may be able to get respite care. If you need emergency respite, call Carer Gateway on 1800 422 737.
Support in your state or territory
There are other health and support services available. These depend on which state or territory you live in. For example, they may pay for aids and equipment to help improve your child's quality of life.
- Australian Capital Territory — Community Services: Disability
- New South Wales — Communities & Justice: Community inclusion
- Northern Territory — Office of Disability
- Queensland — People with disability
- South Australia — Care and Support: Disability
- Tasmania — Disability Services
- Victoria — Department of Families, Fairness and Housing: Disability
- Western Australia — Department of Communities: Disability services
Other resources and support
You can visit the National Disability Gateway to find and access disability services across Australia.
Non-profit and charity support services
Reimagine Australia helps families of children who have a disability or developmental delay to find services. They can help families navigate the service system. It's a good starting point to find out about what services are available to you.
Siblings Australia provides support, information and resources. These aim to support siblings and families of children who have a disability, chronic disease or mental illness.
Playgroup Australia is the national peak body representing playgroups. They can help you find a playgroup that will suit your child's needs.
Parent support groups
There are many parent support groups. My Time can provide you with information and other resources about parenting and caring for children with a disability.
Carers networks
Carer Gateway is a national online and phone service providing practical information, support and useful resources for carers. Search the Carer Gateway website or call 1800 422 737.
Carers Australia represents the interests of over 2 million carers in Australia. For more information about carers and care options for your family, contact Carers Australia.
Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.