exceptional circumstances, the family must demonstrate they are experiencing multiple, significant barriers that directly impact their ability to access HCWA or Better Start early intervention services for their child. Further details on the Access Payment, including exceptional circumstances, are available in the Information Guide provided at . Families wishing to enquire the Access Payment should contact the Autism Advisor Service (for HCWA) or the RIS (for Better Start). Changes in diagnosis The Department has been made aware of a small number of cases where a child who met the diagnosis eligibility criteria upon registration was re-tested and found to no longer meet the criteria. In these cases, parents should contact the Early Intervention Helpdesk to advise of the change and the child will be exited from HCWA or Better Start. Transferring access between HCWA and Better Start Parents/carers of eligible children may wish to transfer across HCWA and Better Start based on access to specific therapies. In these cases parents should contact the Early Intervention Helpdesk for approval to transfer. Transferring to the NDIS It is the responsibility of every service provider to check each client’s eligibility and financial balance in the Online Financial Management System (FOFMS) before delivering a service. This will be particularly important in NDIS sites. As a client transitions to the NDIS, their Eligibility End Date will be changed on FOFMS to the date their plan is approved with the NDIS. Service providers must check whether their client remains eligible or has moved onto the NDIS by reviewing the client’s Eligibility End Date. HCWA and Better Start will not pay for services provided after the child’s Eligibility End Date. However, they will process claims for services provided prior to this date. Note: Once an Eligibility End Date has been changed, service providers do not have the authority to this date for any purpose. The Department is the only party permitted to make adjustments to this date. The Department will be monitoring clients who have transitioned where their Eligibility End Dates have been changed for the purpose of making claims. Any changes other than by those who are authorised will be investigated as potential acts of fraud against the Commonwealth. Frequently asked questions about the transition to the NDIS from HCWA and Better Start service providers and families are available on the Department’s website. Intervention Services Service providers must deliver evidence based early interventions that are focussed on contributing to the child’s ability to successfully transition to school and supporting the child’s early intervention plan. Only eligible interventions will be paid for by the
necessary to support the child’s early intervention therapy and early intervention plan be supported by research and best practice not be listed as out of scope in the table below. Advice on eligibility of resources Resource Comments Equipment funded through government schemes HCWA and Better Start early intervention funding cannot be used to purchase equipment or resources available to an eligible child through other government funded schemes, such as reading glasses which are available in some states. It can however be used to cover the ‘gap’ (sometimes called co-contribution payment) where the cost of an item is not completely met by the state or territory subsidy scheme. The state or territory government funding must be used first, and the HCWA/Better Start funding can be used to ‘top up’ where the subsidy does not completely cover the cost. Funding can be used to cover the ‘gap’ regardless of whether the piece of equipment is owned by the family or not. It is understood families may not wish to own equipment a child will outgrow. The Job Access website provides information on or territory government funded aids and equipment schemes. Service providers should check the existing entitlements covered by their relevant state or territory government. This ensures an eligible child’s HCWA or Better Start funds are not used to purchase equipment or resources covered by existing government schemes. Visit the website for more information. Equipment provided through Australian Hearing Australian Hearing is funded through the Department of Health to assist people manage their hearing impairment and improve their quality of life. Australian Hearing provides a full range of hearing services to children, at no cost to families, including hearing aids. Any equipment or services provided by Australian Hearing are out of scope under Better Start. More information is available at the Department of Health website and the website. Secondhand equipment Secondhand equipment is out of scope. The purchase of secondhand resources raises issues around warranty, after sales service, cost savings, condition of the item, accessories etc. The Department believes
there is inadequate financial benefit gained from purchasing secondhand equipment. Capital works Capital works are out of scope. This includes: internal and external home renovations; backyard improvements such as fencing, gates and landscaping; permanent structures such as playground equipment and cubby houses that are built, bolted or concreted or fixed to the ground, wall or home; portable and swimming pools and spa baths and any item which cannot be easily transported if the child moves home. Duplicate resources Duplicate resources are out of scope. Clients are expected to transfer resources between locations and/or households (i.e. the resource goes with the child). Delivery and assembly charges a service provider incurs fixed costs as part of an agreed resources purchase, such as a delivery or assembly charge, these costs may be included in the claim for reimbursement. Extended warranties on resources Out of scope. Rented Out of scope. Membership to toy/resource libraries In scope. Internet or phone access Out of scope. Medication, dietary supplements Out of scope. Medical interventions and equipment Out of scope. Parent attendance at conferences or workshops Out of