This paper outlines solutions to funding gaps during disasters and emergencies that affect the delivery of disability supports, including those under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). During recent natural disasters, the NDIS funding model lacked a mechanism for providers to be directly and promptly reimbursed for the work required to help participants stay safe during the crisis.  

Targeted, time-limited funding measures should be rapidly set up in an emergency to ensure the continuation of disability supports during a crisis. The paper examines the complexities of emergency events, the key issues for providers, the competing jurisdictions of authorities and governments, and the lack of flexibility and coordination in the disability support system during emergencies.  

Key recommendations

1. Emergency support funding line item in NDIS pricing arrangements.
2. Pre-authorisation and pre-planning requirements.
3. Automatic plan top-up mechanism.
4. Trigger-based activation.
5. National coordination role and policy alignment.
6. System enhancements.
7. Explore solutions outside the NDIS.