Will NDIS Funding Cover Maintenance and Care of an Assistance Dog or Guide Dog?

Will NDIS Funding Cover Maintenance and Care of an Assistance Dog / Guide Dog?

It is highly possible - however - in order for ongoing costs such as food, toys, veterinary bills, training, pet insurance, and pet-related household tasks such as washing, nail clipping, and backyard poo patrol, to be covered by the NDIS, a goal of Self Sufficiency or Independence needs to be included in your NDIS Plan as a goal, along with the costs of your Guide Dog.  It is vital that you discuss your current and future needs with Guide Dog's NDIS Planning Team before finalising your plan. 

https://www.guidedogswa.com.au/getsupport/ndis/

Advice received directly from the NDIA:

Part 5 of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Supports for Participants) Rules 2013 advises that a support cannot be funded if it relates to day-to-day living costs that are not attributable to a participant’s disability support needs. If however, the support is identified as a support and a cost that is ancillary to another NDIS funded support then this may be considered.

If you need to have your NDIS Plan reviewed the NDIA advise:

A ‘Change in Circumstances’ plan review request can be made directly to the NDIA to ensure requests for supports are considered within the legislative framework.  A participant’s Local Area Coordinator (LAC) Partner or Support Coordinator can assist with this process as required and they can also provide any advice requiring an immediate short term response.

The NDIA encourages all participants to discuss all support requirements at their plan review meeting so that support needs can be accurately assessed. These assessments are made in relation to section 34 of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Act 2013 and part 5 of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Supports for Participants) Rules 2013.  More information about reasonable and necessary supports can be found on our website at: https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/how-ndis-supports-work-menu/reasonable-and-necessary-supports


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