Mainstream and Community Supports

Mainstream supports are services outside of the NDIS, that cover a certain need for assistance or service, and are funded by the government to prevent high out of pocket expenses. People with or without a disability can access these services. 

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Key examples: 

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The Australian Government's Services Australia delivers a range of payments and services supporting people in need, including people with disabilities
 

A disability support pension and range of allowances are available, including:

• carer payments

• rent assistance

• telephone allowance

• utilities allowance

• mobility allowance

• education supplements

• pharmaceutical allowance

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A Health Care Card provides cheaper pharmaceuticals as well as other savings, like bulk billing for doctors' appointments
 

You may be eligible for a health care card if you are below age pension age and receive a Centrelink payment including:

• carer allowance (caring for a child under 16)—the health care card is for the child in your care only

• carer payment (caring for a child under 16 years)—for short-term or episodic care under 6 months

• family tax benefit part A (maximum rate only)

• mobility allowance (but not disability support pension)

• newstart allowance

• parenting payment (partnered)
   

Centrelink explains who is eligible for a health care card and the specific benefits that come with it.

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Public Health System including Medicare

Mainstream School Education

Vocational education and training

Community Housing and Community Infrastructure 

Local Councils

Public Transport 

Family & Child Protection

Justice System 

Aged care

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Community supports are the supports you can get from community services or community organisations. Many community organisations offer a range of supports for children, teenagers, families and older people. People with or without a disability can access these services. 

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Examples of Trusted Community Supports 

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Churches

Salvation Army

St Vincent De Paul

The Men's Shed

Neighborhood Centres

Local Sports Clubs

Progress Associations 

Lion's Clubs 

Rotary Clubs 

Retired Serviceman's Leagues (RSL)

Boys/Girls Brigades and Scouts

SES 

Mission Australia

Meals on Wheels 

Anglicare

YMCA

Police Citizen's Youth Clubs (PCYC) 

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Disability specific mainstream services are the supports you can get from the QLD government, that are only available to people with a disability, or Pension/Health Care Card - Some services have specific eligibility criteria

Support for children and young people

Help and support services for children and young people with disability, from early childhood to leaving school

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Support for adults

Information for adults with disability including financial support and advice on mental health and wellbeing

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Support for families, carers and friends

Find support for families, carers and friends of people with disability, including information on respite care and counselling services

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