The Medicare Chronic Condition Management Plan can provide up to 5 partial Medicare rebates for allied health services including Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy treatments per calendar year.

You need to consult with your GP regarding eligibility for referral under this program. Eligible children/adults can receive up to 5 allied health treatments per calendar year.

Clients will need to pay a gap fee for each session, as the Medicare rebate only covers part of the fee.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme may be able to provide funding support. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian Government healthcare scheme designed to provide funding to individuals with disability.

Visit NDIS.gov.au for further information on how to check your eligibility to access NDIS funding.

Communiskills is able to assist with Self Managed or Plan Managed NDIS participants.

Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy services can be rebated under private health insurance plans depending on your level of cover.

You will need to consult with your insurance provider to check your cover, determine the rebate amount, and the maximum amount you can claim per person or family in a calendar year.

The Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) provides access to fully funded allied health services fsuch as Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy for eligible veterans and their dependents.

A GP referral is required. The referral can allow access for up to 12 treatment sessions with a therapist. If following the treatment, further sessions are needed as advised by the practitioner, your GP can provide a new referral to continue your care.

The Transport Accident Commission TAC provides access to funding for therapy for individuals who have suffered injuries in road accidents in Victoria. This covers Allied Health services including OT, Speech Pathology, Physiotherapy and Psychology.

Services are pre-approved by TAC and a claim needs to be submitted to TAC to gain this preapproval.

Medicare also provides access to partial rebates for assessments and treatment planning for children/young adults diagnosed with neurodevelopmental disorders or other eligible disabilities.

You must be under 25 years old and have a complex neurodevelopmental disorder or eligible disability (e.g. Autism, Intellectual Disability, Cerebral Palsy, genetic disorders).

Assessment (up to 4 allied health sessions)

Treatment (up to 20 treatment sessions)

Medicare covers only a portion of the cost so a gap fee is applicable for each session.

Requires a Specialist Referral (e.g. Paediatrician/Psychiatrist/Neurologist)

Note: From March 1st 2026 the eligibility for this Medicare item has been extended to include assessment and treatment of children and young people under 25 years diagnosed with stuttering, speech sound disorders or cleft lip/palate.

Speech Sound Disorders (SSDs) including: articulation disorder; phonological disorder; childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) - (also known as dyspraxia, developmental verbal dyspraxia or speech apraxia); and dysarthria. 

(Referrals from a GP or Specialist).

Home Care Packages are funded by the government to assist older Australians continue to live independently at home. Funding in the package may be used for allied health treatments to help with mobility, independence and well-being.

Eligibility is assessed via My Aged Care. For more information visit the My Aged Care website.

An income supplement is available for carers who provide additional daily care and attention for a family member with a disability or medical condition or who is frail aged.

For further information contact servicesaustralia.gov.au/carer-allowance