Will the NDIS pay for my support worker overseas?

Will the NDIS pay for a support worker and other supports whilst I am travelling overseas?

A common question which seems to attract much confusion.

In the words of the NDIS: "For participant’s, as with other members of Australian society, overseas travel, including extended holidays, is considered to be an ordinary part of life." 

Your support needs are unlikely to change just because you are travelling overseas, so the answer is YES to purchase the supports you would normally need.

If you are self or plan managed and travelling out of Australia for up to 6 weeks, you can use your NDIS funding to buy these supports and services you normally need when at home. 

For example, the supports needed might include the cost of renting equipment like a hoist or hiring a wheelchair, buying consumables you usually use and of course hiring a support worker.

The supports purchased must meet the same criteria as they would in Australia

This means they must be reasonable and necessary and elated to your disability and if you're self-managing, they meet your page 8 checklist of the NDIS self-management guide.

How long can I travel overseas?

An NDIS participant can be absent from Australia for up to 6 weeks (from your departure date) without affecting their plan. This may be extended on application (and if denied is a reviewable decision). Since your plan will be suspended after 6 weeks, be sure to let the NDIS know as soon as possible if you are going to be away for longer!

How do I pay a support worker when I'm overseas on holiday?

Exactly the same as you do in Australia. Although they will not have an ABN, they still need to provide you with an invoice that includes:

• Their name
• Description of service
• Number of hours at an agreed rate
• Total cost

You will need to show the cost of the supports in AUD

This is important. Your invoice will be in a foreign currency. The NDIA portal or your plan manager needs to see the cost of your support payment in AUD. Best option is to pay with a credit card, as you can then show the AUD amount paid on your credit card statement. If this is not possible, you can show the rate of exchange on the day to determine the equivalent AUD amount.

What about if I'm Agency Managed?

​Well, if you are agency managed, you are restricted to using NDIS registered providers at your destination. This is obviously quite a restriction and travelling overseas would be difficult as it's very unlikely you are going to find a registered provider who has support workers in the country you are visiting.