Question 1

What is the NDIS, in plain English?

Accepted Answer

The NDIS funds support for people with permanent and significant disability so they can do the things they want to do: work, study, see friends, look after themselves. Your plan is a budget for that support. Our job is to help you spend it well.

Question 2

Who's eligible for NDIS support?

Accepted Answer

Generally: under 65 at the time of application, an Australian citizen or permanent resident, with permanent disability that significantly affects daily life. The NDIS website has the formal access criteria. If you're not sure, we'll talk through it on the first call.

Question 3

What does 'self-managed', 'plan-managed', and 'agency-managed' mean?

Accepted Answer

It's how your plan pays providers. Self-managed: you pay providers and claim back. Plan-managed: a plan manager pays them on your behalf. Agency-managed: the NDIA pays NDIS-registered providers directly. Each has trade-offs, and we're happy to walk through them.

Question 4

What does a Support Coordinator actually do?

Accepted Answer

We translate your plan into providers booked, services running, and goals on track. That means reading the plan with you, shortlisting providers that fit, setting up agreements, and staying in the loop so you don't have to chase.

Question 5

How is Support Coordination different from a plan manager?

Accepted Answer

A plan manager handles the money: invoices, claims, budget tracking. A Support Coordinator handles the supports: finding them, setting them up, sorting issues when they come up. Most plans have both. They work alongside each other.

Question 6

Can I switch to Alleviate from my current coordinator?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can change coordinators at any time. We'll handle the handover so nothing falls through the cracks.

Question 7

What's the difference between Recovery Coaching and a psychologist?

Accepted Answer

A psychologist treats: therapy, diagnosis, clinical care. A Recovery Coach walks alongside the day-to-day work of recovery: building routine, navigating the NDIS, showing up steadily. The two complement each other.

Question 8

How often do we meet?

Accepted Answer

Weekly is the typical rhythm. In person, by phone, or a mix. Whatever works for you. Some weeks are intense, some are light-touch. We adjust to where you're at.

Question 9

Are your coaches trained in lived-experience practice?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lived experience informs how we coach. We don't pretend to know what you're going through, and we don't talk down.

Question 10

How do I get started with Alleviate?

Accepted Answer

Book a 15-minute chat through our contact page or send us an email. We'll hear what you need and tell you straight whether we're the right fit.

Question 11

What happens on the first call?

Accepted Answer

Mostly listening. We'll ask about your plan, what's working, what isn't, and what you'd love more of. No paperwork on the first call.

Question 12

Is the first chat free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Always. No catch.

Question 13

Can I refer someone to Alleviate?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Families, friends, GPs, social workers, hospitals. Referrals come from everywhere. Email or call us with the basics and we'll take it from there.

Question 14

Do you need a formal referral form?

Accepted Answer

No. An email or call is plenty. If your organisation needs paperwork on file, we'll match whatever format you use.

Question 15

Where are you based?

Accepted Answer

Penrith, NSW. We work across Western Sydney and the wider Sydney metro area.

Question 16

Do you travel for in-person sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, within the Western Sydney area as standard. Further afield is case-by-case. Phone and video are always an option.

Question 17

Are you NDIS-registered?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We're a registered NDIS provider, so we can work with self-managed, plan-managed, and agency-managed participants.

The questions people ask.

NDIS basics.

Support Coordination.

Recovery Coaching.

Getting started.

Referrals.

Service areas.