Funding

Using your funding

We're currently accepting referrals for older adults and people with disabilities under Support at Home, NDIS and DVA funding models.

Support at Home

My Aged Care

Support at Home (SAH) is a government-funded program that helps older Australians live independently at home. Occupational therapy is a common and valuable use of Support at Home funding.

Your Support at Home provider or care coordinator can refer you to Essence OT to assist with your home care needs. There is typically no out-of-pocket cost for OT services under your package.

What OT can help with under Support at Home

  • Home safety assessments
  • Equipment recommendation and prescription
  • Minor & major home modifications
  • Falls prevention and mobility assessments

How to refer

Ask your Support at Home case manager to make a referral to Essence OT, or contact us directly and we can assist with the process.

Make a Support at Home Referral

NDIS

Self & Plan Managed

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds supports and services for Australians with a permanent and significant disability. Occupational therapy is a Capacity Building support that can be funded through your NDIS plan.

You can make a referral to us directly using your NDIS funding to pay for OT services with no gap. We are only accepting self-managed and plan-managed participants at this time.

Please note

We are not currently accepting NDIA-managed (agency-managed) participants.

What OT can support under NDIS

  • Functional Capacity Assessments
  • Assistive technology assessment & prescription
  • Home modification recommendations
  • Reports for plan reviews & access requests

How to refer

NDIS participants can self-refer directly to us, or have a support coordinator make a referral on your behalf. We'll guide you through the process.

Make an NDIS Referral

DVA

Gold & White Card

The Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) provides health funding for eligible veterans and their dependants. Occupational therapy is a recognised allied health service under the DVA fee schedule.

Gold Card holders can access OT services for any condition, and can generally self-refer without needing a GP referral. White Card holders can access OT services related to their accepted conditions, and a GP or specialist referral is usually required.

No gap for DVA card holders

We bill directly to DVA under the current fee schedule, so there is no out-of-pocket cost for eligible services.

What OT can help with under DVA

  • Home safety and functional assessments
  • Equipment prescription via the Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP)
  • Home modification recommendations
  • Falls prevention and mobility support

How to refer

Gold Card holders can contact us directly. White Card holders should ask their GP for a referral covering their accepted condition, then get in touch with us to arrange a visit.

Make a DVA Referral
FAQ

Common questions

Is there a gap payment for OT services?

For Support at Home, NDIS (self and plan managed) and DVA (Gold and White Card) clients, there is typically no gap payment. Our fees are covered by your funding package or billed directly to DVA. Please contact us to confirm for your specific situation.

Can I self-refer, or does it need to go through a coordinator?

NDIS participants (self or plan managed) can contact us directly. For Support at Home clients, we recommend your referral comes through your case manager to ensure funding approval is in place before we visit.

Do you accept private pay clients?

We are primarily focused on Support at Home, NDIS and DVA clients at this time. If you are a private pay client, please contact us and we'll discuss whether we can accommodate your needs.

How long does an assessment take?

Typically between 1 to 2 hours for a home assessment, depending on the complexity of your needs. Flynn will discuss timing with you before the visit. A written report is usually provided within 5 to 7 business days.

I'm a DVA White Card holder, can I still be seen?

Yes, as long as the OT support you need relates to one of your DVA-accepted conditions. We recommend checking with your GP or DVA to confirm your accepted conditions before your referral is made.

Not sure which funding applies to you?

Get in touch and we'll help you figure out the best pathway to accessing OT support.

Contact Us