When exploring NDIS vs Support at Home (SaH) Funding in Australia, understanding the differences between these two support systems can help individuals and families make informed decisions about the care and services they receive. At KompleteCare, we understand that navigating government-funded supports can feel overwhelming, which is why our experienced team is committed to helping Australians access the care they need through both the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Support at Home (SaH) funding pathways.
When exploring NDIS and SaH funding pathways, it is important to understand that these are not competing systems, but rather two different funding pathways designed to support Australians at different stages of life and with different care needs. While each system has its own strengths, processes, and challenges, both are ultimately designed to help people remain safe, supported and connected within their communities.
Whether you are living with a disability, ageing at home, or supporting a loved one, knowing which program best suits your circumstances, and how to access them, is an important step towards maintaining independence, wellbeing and quality of life.
What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme, commonly referred to as the NDIS, is a government-funded program that supports Australians living with a permanent and significant disability. The NDIS provides participants with individualised funding tailored to their unique circumstances and support requirements. This allows participants greater choice and control over the providers they work with and the supports they receive.
The NDIS focuses on helping individuals achieve their goals, improve independence, participate in the community, and enhance their overall quality of life. Funding is tailored to each participant’s individual needs and may include supports such as personal care, therapy services, social support, transport assistance, home modifications and supported independent living.
One of the greatest strengths of the NDIS is its person-centred approach. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all mode, the scheme recognises that every participant has different goals, abilities and support needs. The NDIS is designed around helping participants achieve outcomes. This may include increasing independence, improving social participation, developing life skills, or accessing employment and education opportunities.
At KompleteCare, we understand how life-changing the right disability supports can be. Our team work closely with NDIS participants and their families to deliver personalised services that align with their goals and support requirements.
What is Support at Home (SaH)?
Support at Home (SaH) is Australia’s new aged care funding model, designed to replace the Home Care Packages and Short-Term Restorative Care Program. The initiative focuses on helping older Australians remain independent and safe in their own homes for as long as possible.
The program replaces older aged care support structures with a more streamlined, responsive model focused on helping individuals maintain their health, independence, and connection to their communities.
When comparing NDIS and SaH funding, one of the biggest distinctions lies in the target demographic. While NDIS is disability focused, SaH is specifically designed for older Australians who require assistance with daily living due to age-related challenges.
Support at Home funding may cover services including Domestic Assistance, Personal Care, Meal Preparation, Nursing, Allied Health Services (Physiotherapy, Podiatry, Occupational Therapy, etc.), Social Support and Transport, and Home Maintenance and Modification.
One of the primary strengths of the SaH program is its focus on helping older Australians remain safely in familiar surroundings for as long as possible. Remaining at home can improve emotional well-being, comfort and social connection. Many families take on significant caring responsibilities for ageing loved ones. Support at Home services can provide practical assistance and respite, helping reduce caregiver stress and improve overall family wellbeing.
As people age, their care needs may gradually increase. Families often need guidance in adjusting supports to ensure care remains appropriate and sustainable.
As an experienced provider, KompleteCare is proud to support older Australians by delivering compassionate, person-centred in-home care services tailored to individual needs.
NDIS vs SaH Funding: The Key Differences
Understanding the differences between these programs can help determine which funding option may apply to your circumstances.
The eligibility requirements are the rules the NDIS follows to determine whether a person with a disability can become an NDIS participant. The rules are the same for everyone who applies to access the NDIS. For each occasion, you must provide evidence for each requirement.
To access the NDIS, individuals generally must be under 65 years of age at the time of application, be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder, and have a permanent and significant disability that impacts daily functioning.
To be eligible under the disability requirements, a participant must have a disability related to a permanent impairment or have a psychosocial disability caused by permanent impairment. This impairment will significantly impact your life and your ability to do everyday tasks. For more information about NDIS eligibility requirements, click here.
For NDIS participants to join KompleteCare, we need their NDIS number, a copy of their plan goals, and their plan start and end dates, so we can find suitable workers and supports to help them achieve their goals. To get started, either give our friendly team a call on (08) 8265 5696 (press option 1) or fill out our enquiry form on our website here. If you already have a support coordinator, they can assist you with this. From there, someone from our Onboarding team will give you a call to go over your situation, figure out with you what KompleteCare can support, and get the ball rolling so you can receive care.
In comparison, Support at Home funding is generally available to older Australians who require assistance to continue living safely and independently at home. The process for an older person to access Support at Home services has the following steps.
Step 1: Register with My Aged Care. You must apply for an ACAT assessment through My Aged Care. You may also be referred to My Aged Care by a medical professional or hospital.
Step 2: Acquire an assessment. An assessor will meet with you at home or over the phone to complete an aged care needs assessment. The assessor notes your strengths, areas of difficulty and ageing-related care needs.
Step 3: Develop a Support Plan. If you are eligible for Support at Home, the assessor will develop a support plan with you. This includes your goals and services you are approved for under the Support at Home service list, which can be found here.
Step 4: You will then receive a Notice of Decision letter and the support plan generated in step 3, outlining your approved Support at Home services.
Step 5: Funding allocation. When government funding becomes available, you will receive a funding allocation letter. From here, you can choose a Support at Home provider (like KompleteCare) to deliver the approved services.
Step 6: After receiving your funding allocation letter, you typically will have 56 days to find a provider. KompleteCare is a great choice! You will also need to complete an income and asset assessment with Services Australia, as this determines your participant contributions. For more information, click here.
Through KompleteCare, the process is easy once you have your funding allocation letter. All you have to do is either give us a call on (08) 8265 5696 (press option 1) or fill out our enquiry form on our website here. From there, someone from our Onboarding team will give you a call to go over your situation, figure out with you what KompleteCare can support, and get the ball rolling so you can receive care.
Once you have chosen Kompletecare as your service provider, we will then notify Services Australia that you are receiving support through KompleteCare. We develop care plans and an individualised budget together during the onboarding process. KompleteCare then assigns you a dedicated Client Service Manager who serves as your Care Partner. This includes regular discussions to review your support to ensure we continually meet your changing needs and goals. And based on these reviews, we can apply for more funding and support where you need it most.
Purpose of Funding
The NDIS is designed to support people with disability in achieving long-term goals and improving independence across all areas of life.
Support at Home funding is primarily focused on assisting older Australians with age-related care needs and on helping them remain at home rather than enter residential aged care.
While there may be some overlap in the services provided under each program, the goals and funding structures are quite different.
Choosing the Right Support Pathway
When considering NDIS and Support at Home funding, it is important to remember that both systems serve valuable but different purposes within Australia’s care landscape. Both funding pathways provide important opportunities for individuals to access high-quality care, maintain independence, and remain connected to their communities.
Navigating funding can sometimes be complex, particularly when balancing funding, service continuity, and evolving care needs. This is where working with an experienced provider such as KompleteCare can make the process significantly easier.
Our team can assist individuals and families in understanding available options, coordinating supports, and ensuring services continue smoothly during periods of change.
At KompleteCare, our dedicated team is here to help Australians navigate both the NDS and Support at Home funding with confidence. Whether you are exploring support options for yourself or a loved one, KompleteCare is committed to delivering compassionate, reliable, and person-centred care every step of the way.
If you or a loved one needs support through the NDIS or Support at Home, give KompleteCare a call today.
