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Start with the quick answers below, or jump to FAQs pulled from our service, audience and local pages. Each topic links back to the fuller page if you want more context.
The questions people usually ask first
Am I eligible for NDIS mental health support?
NDIS eligibility is about functional impact, not diagnosis alone. A mental health condition may meet access requirements when it creates a lasting psychosocial disability that affects everyday life; our eligibility guide explains what evidence usually needs to show.
What does support cost, and how is it funded?
Most Ellira supports are funded through your NDIS plan, usually through Core or Capacity Building budgets depending on the support. We check your plan wording before anything starts and explain the funding fit clearly; our NDIS mental health supports guide gives the broader overview.
Are you a registered NDIS provider?
Ellira is not yet a registered NDIS provider — we are working toward NDIS registration. Self-managed and plan-managed participants can generally use us now; NDIA-managed funding generally cannot until registration is complete. Read more in our guide to registered and unregistered providers.
How do I start?
You can book a free intake call or use the referral form. The first conversation is free, no obligation, and focused on what you need, what your plan funds and whether Ellira is the right fit.
Where do you work?
We support people across five Melbourne regions plus Geelong & the Bellarine, with our home base in Cranbourne, and central Perth by telehealth where suitable. Check the service areas hub for suburbs and regional pages.
How fast do you respond?
A real person responds to referrals within one business day. If a referral is urgent or crisis-flagged, we prioritise it and phone back directly.
Can I complain safely?
Yes. Complaining never affects your supports, and you can raise a concern anonymously if you prefer. We acknowledge complaints within 3 business days, provide a written outcome within 20 business days, and you can contact the NDIS Commission on 1800 035 544 any time; see our feedback and complaints page.
Assistance with Daily Life
Mental Health & Peer Support Work
Psychosocial Recovery Coaching
Psychology & Therapeutic Supports
Support Coordination
Community Participation & Access
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
NDIS Support in Cranbourne
For Support Coordinators
For Families & Carers
Mental Health & Recovery
Everyday & Living Support
Programs & Groups
Careers
For Participants
All FAQ topics
source page
Assistance with Daily Life
Which NDIS budget funds daily-life support?
Assistance with Daily Life is usually funded from Core Supports. It can cover practical help at home and with daily routines when the support relates to your disability needs and plan goals.
What can a support worker help with at home?
Support can include personal care, meals, household tasks, medication prompts, appointments, errands and building daily living skills. The exact tasks are agreed with you and adjusted as your routine changes.
Can I choose workers or keep existing supports?
Yes. We match workers carefully and try to keep familiar faces wherever possible, because daily support works best when people know your routine. We can also work alongside existing providers or family supports with your consent.
Can support change from week to week?
Often, yes. Your hours and tasks can flex with appointments, health, energy and what your Core budget can sustain. We will talk through what is realistic before support starts.
Can I use Ellira if you are not yet NDIS registered?
Ellira is not yet a registered NDIS provider — we are working toward NDIS registration. Self-managed and plan-managed participants can generally use unregistered providers, while NDIA-managed funding generally cannot. We will talk this through clearly before support starts.
Mental Health & Peer Support Work
Which part of my plan can fund peer support?
Peer support may be funded from Core or Capacity Building, depending on how the support is described in your plan and what goals it relates to. We can look at the wording with you before anything starts, so the support matches the right budget.
Do peer workers provide therapy?
No. Peer workers use lived experience and practical recovery-focused support; they do not diagnose, treat or replace a psychologist, GP or psychiatrist. Peer support can sit alongside clinical care when you want that connection.
How do you match a peer worker?
We use the intake conversation to understand what would help you feel safe and respected: communication style, interests, goals, location and any preferences that matter. We aim for consistency, and you can speak up if the fit is not right.
Can peer support happen online or in the community?
Yes. Peer support can happen at home, out in the community, by phone or online. The setting should match the goal, whether that is a quiet conversation, getting to an appointment or trying an activity.
Can I use Ellira if you are not yet NDIS registered?
Ellira is not yet a registered NDIS provider — we are working toward NDIS registration. Self-managed and plan-managed participants can generally use unregistered providers, while NDIA-managed funding generally cannot. We will talk this through clearly before support starts.
Psychosocial Recovery Coaching
Which NDIS budget funds psychosocial recovery coaching?
Recovery coaching is a Capacity Building support, usually listed as Psychosocial Recovery Coach in your plan. If your plan names support coordination instead, we can talk through the difference and what your current funding allows.
How is a recovery coach different from a support coordinator?
A recovery coach focuses on psychosocial recovery and building capacity, with more time spent understanding what steadies your day-to-day life. Support coordination focuses on using the plan, connecting providers and managing the moving parts. Some people have one, some have both.
Can I use Ellira if you are not yet NDIS registered?
Ellira is not yet a registered NDIS provider — we are working toward NDIS registration. Self-managed and plan-managed participants can generally use unregistered providers, while NDIA-managed funding generally cannot. We will talk this through clearly before services start.
Can sessions happen by telehealth or in person?
Yes. Recovery coaching can happen in person, by phone or by video, depending on what suits your needs, location and plan. The mix can change as life changes.
Will my coach work with my existing mental health team?
Yes, with your consent. Your coach can work alongside your GP, psychologist, psychiatrist, community mental-health team, support coordinator or family supports so everyone is working from the same picture. You choose what is shared and who is involved.
Psychology & Therapeutic Supports
Which NDIS budget funds psychology?
Psychology is usually funded through Capacity Building, often under Improved Daily Living or therapeutic supports, when it relates to your disability support needs and goals. We can help you check your plan wording before booking sessions.
Do I need a GP referral?
For NDIS-funded psychology, you usually do not need a GP referral if your plan already funds the support. A GP, psychiatrist or other clinician can still be helpful for shared care or background information if you choose to involve them.
Can I use Ellira if you are not yet NDIS registered?
Ellira is not yet a registered NDIS provider — we are working toward NDIS registration. Self-managed and plan-managed participants can generally use unregistered providers, while NDIA-managed funding generally cannot. We will confirm what this means for your plan before services start.
Can I choose telehealth or in-person sessions?
Yes, where it is clinically appropriate and available. You can talk through telehealth, in-person appointments and any access needs during the free intake call.
Will my psychologist speak with my other providers?
Only with your consent. You can choose whether your psychologist connects with your GP, psychiatrist, support coordinator, coach or support workers, and what information is shared.
Support Coordination
Which funding pays for support coordination?
Support coordination is a Capacity Building support, and your plan will state the level funded, such as Support Connection, Coordination of Supports or Specialist Support Coordination. It is separate from Core support and from plan management.
Will you only recommend Ellira services?
No. Support coordination needs to stay independent, so we help you compare providers inside and outside Ellira on fit, availability, communication, cost and quality. You are never required to use another Ellira service because we coordinate your plan.
Can I use Ellira if you are not yet NDIS registered?
Ellira is not yet a registered NDIS provider — we are working toward NDIS registration. Self-managed and plan-managed participants can generally use unregistered providers, while NDIA-managed funding generally cannot. We will confirm what this means for your plan before services start.
How do we get started?
You can make a referral or book a free intake call. We look at your plan, what is already working, what feels stuck, and whether your current funding includes the right coordination line.
Can you work with providers I already have?
Yes, with your consent. We can coordinate with existing supports, clinicians, family and mainstream services. We do not ask you to move services that are already working for you.
Community Participation & Access
Which NDIS budget funds community access?
Community access is usually funded from Core Supports, often under social and community participation. It can cover the support worker's time to help you get to, take part in and build confidence with activities linked to your goals.
Do I choose the activities?
Yes. You choose the places, activities and goals that matter to you, whether that is errands, a class, volunteering, sport, a social group or a quiet coffee. We build the support around your pace.
Does community access include transport?
Your worker can support travel to and from activities and help you build transport skills. How provider travel, activity costs or transport costs are handled depends on your plan, so we check that before confirming support.
Can I use one-to-one support instead of a group?
Yes. Some people want one-to-one support for privacy, confidence or access needs; others prefer small groups when the fit is right. You are not locked into one format.
Can I use Ellira if you are not yet NDIS registered?
Ellira is not yet a registered NDIS provider — we are working toward NDIS registration. Self-managed and plan-managed participants can generally use unregistered providers, while NDIA-managed funding generally cannot. We will talk this through clearly before support starts.
Supported Independent Living (SIL)
Which NDIS budget funds SIL?
SIL is usually funded from Core Supports and pays for support workers in your home, not rent, board, utilities or the home itself. The plan usually needs a clear roster of care that explains when support is needed and why.
Is SIL the same as accommodation or SDA?
No. SIL is the daily support in the home, while Specialist Disability Accommodation is the physical home for people who are eligible for that separate funding. Some people use SIL in an SDA home, and some use it in other living arrangements.
What if SIL is not in my plan yet, or my needs have changed?
We can talk through what evidence may be needed and how to describe your support needs clearly. If you already have a support coordinator or treating team, we can work alongside them rather than replacing their role.
Can I choose who comes into my home?
Yes. This is your home, so fit, boundaries and routine matter. We introduce workers properly, aim for consistency and review the match if it is not working.
Can I use Ellira if you are not yet NDIS registered?
Ellira is not yet a registered NDIS provider — we are working toward NDIS registration. Self-managed and plan-managed participants can generally use unregistered providers, while NDIA-managed funding generally cannot. We will talk this through clearly before support starts.
NDIS Support in Cranbourne
Which parts of Cranbourne do you cover?
All of them — Cranbourne, Cranbourne East, Cranbourne North, Cranbourne South, Cranbourne West and the neighbouring growth suburbs of Clyde, Clyde North and Botanic Ridge. This is our home turf.
How fast can support start in Cranbourne?
Usually faster than anywhere else we work. Our office and much of our team are local, so after your free intake call we can typically begin matching workers straight away — and a real person responds to every referral within one business day.
Is Ellira a registered NDIS provider?
Ellira is not yet a registered NDIS provider — we are working toward NDIS registration. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can use Ellira today, and the NDIS Code of Conduct binds us fully regardless of registration.
Can I meet you before deciding anything?
Yes — that's how we prefer to start. A free intake conversation, by phone or in person, with no obligation. You choose what happens next.
For Support Coordinators
What's your response time on referrals?
A real person — not an autoresponder — replies within one business day. Urgent and crisis-flagged referrals are prioritised and phoned back directly.
Do I need every detail before referring?
No. A name, a contact and the support sought are enough to start triage. Anything missing becomes a to-do list for the intake conversation — a gap never blocks a referral.
Is Ellira registered?
Ellira is not yet a registered NDIS provider — we are working toward NDIS registration. Plan-managed and self-managed participants can use Ellira now; the NDIS Code of Conduct binds us fully regardless.
Will you try to take over the rest of my participant's plan?
No. We deliver the supports you refer for and work alongside the rest of the team. We never pressure participants to consolidate services with us — choice and control isn't a slogan, it's how we keep coordinators referring.
For Families & Carers
Can I make a referral for someone else?
Yes — family members and carers make many of our referrals. The form asks whether the person has consented; if they haven't yet, you can still start the conversation and we'll handle consent properly at intake.
Will you keep me in the loop?
That's the person's choice, made clearly at intake and changeable any time. With their consent, we share what they want shared. Without it, we don't — that's their right, and protecting it protects your relationship with them too.
What if the person doesn't want support yet?
Pushing rarely works, and we won't. What we can do: talk with you about approaches, be ready when they're ready, and support you in the meantime — carers matter too.
What decision-making support exists if capacity is complicated?
The NDIS recognises nominees, guardians and supported decision-making. Tell us the arrangement in the referral and we'll work within it — and we always support the person to make every decision they can make themselves.
Mental Health & Recovery
Which Ellira mental health support is the right starting point?
Recovery coaching may suit you when you want structured capacity-building around psychosocial recovery. Peer support may suit you when lived-experience connection and practical side-by-side support matters most. Psychology is the clinical therapy option if that is what your plan funds and you want it.
How are mental health supports funded through the NDIS?
The NDIS looks at functional impact and plan goals, not just a diagnosis. Recovery coaching is Capacity Building, peer support may sit under Core or Capacity Building, and psychology is usually Capacity Building through Improved Daily Living or therapeutic supports.
Can I use Ellira if you are not yet NDIS registered?
Ellira is not yet a registered NDIS provider — we are working toward NDIS registration. Self-managed and plan-managed participants can generally use unregistered providers, while NDIA-managed funding generally cannot. We will talk this through clearly before services start.
Can Ellira work with my current mental health team?
Yes, with your consent. We can work alongside your GP, psychologist, psychiatrist, community mental-health team, support coordinator, family supports or existing providers. You choose what information is shared.
What happens in the first conversation?
The first step is a free intake call or referral form. We talk about what is happening now, what support you already have, what your plan funds and which Ellira service might fit.
Everyday & Living Support
Which everyday support should I start with?
Daily life is usually the first place to look for help at home and daily routines. Community access focuses on getting out and taking part. SIL is for a regular home-based roster when you need ongoing support to live safely and independently.
Which budgets fund everyday living supports?
Daily life, community access and SIL usually sit in Core Supports, with community access often linked to social and community participation. The right line depends on your plan wording, goals and the support being delivered.
Can I choose and keep my own workers?
Yes. We match workers for fit, skills, communication and routine, then aim for consistency. If the match is not right, we can review it with you.
Do I have to move all my everyday supports to Ellira?
No. You can use Ellira for one support or several, and keep existing providers that are working well. We collaborate with your chosen people instead of asking you to start again.
How does support start?
Start with a referral form or a free intake call. We talk through your routine, plan budget, goals, safety needs and location, then confirm what support is realistic before anything begins.
Programs & Groups
How are group programs funded?
Most group programs are funded through the Core budget of an NDIS plan (community participation supports), billed under the NDIS Pricing Arrangements — group rates are lower than one-to-one support, which is part of the appeal. We'll confirm exactly how a program fits your plan before anything starts.
When do groups run?
Groups are scheduled based on interest — that's why registering matters. When enough people in a region express interest in a program, we set dates, contact everyone who registered, and go from there.
Do I have to be an Ellira participant to join?
No. Groups are open to people we don't otherwise support — register your interest and we'll work through the funding side with you.
What if a group turns out not to be for me?
Then you stop coming, and nothing bad happens. First sessions are exactly for finding out whether the fit is right — no lock-ins, no awkwardness.
Careers
Do I need qualifications to apply as a support worker?
A Certificate IV in Mental Health or a Certificate III in Individual Support (or equivalent) is the usual baseline — but genuine willingness to obtain one within your first months, on a documented training plan, can be enough. Tell us where you're at; we hire for fit and build the rest.
I have lived experience of mental ill-health — is that welcome?
Warmly. We employ designated peer roles where lived experience is the qualification that matters most, and lived experience strengthens an application for any role. Your story is welcome here — and you'll never be asked to share more of it than you choose.
What checks do I need before starting?
An NDIS Worker Screening Clearance and a Working with Children Check are non-negotiable — Victoria runs 'no clearance, no start', so a pending first application can't work with participants yet. You'll also need first aid and CPR, the free NDIS Worker Orientation Module, references and a police check. We walk every new starter through the list.
What does the hiring process look like?
Apply → shortlisting by a panel → a structured, scenario-based interview → reference and screening checks → offer with a six-month probation and a proper, staged induction. Unsuccessful interviewees hear back promptly and can ask for feedback — we know how much applications cost people.
For Participants
Do I need to have everything figured out before I call?
No. 'I think I need some support but I'm not sure what' is a completely fine place to start. The free intake conversation exists exactly for that.
What if I don't have an NDIS plan yet?
We can still talk. We offer free support with NDIS access — helping you understand the process and put a strong application together. No plan, no charge, no obligation.
Can I choose my worker — and change if it's not right?
Yes and yes. Fit matters more than almost anything. We match carefully, introduce you properly, and change workers without drama if it isn't working.
Do I have to move all my supports to Ellira?
Never. Use us for one support or several — your choice. We work alongside your existing providers and coordinator, and we'll tell you honestly if something isn't our strength.
Still have questions?
Call 1300 487 996, book a free intake call or send a referral. We will talk through your plan, your options and whether Ellira is the right fit.