Plain answers about money, so it is never the reason you wait

No. You can make an appointment directly: send the enquiry form or give us a call. There is no waiting list, so we will do all we can to see you as soon as possible. A GP referral is only needed if you want to claim a Medicare rebate under a Chronic Disease Management plan.

Sessions are charged at the standard NDIS rate for occupational therapy, whether or not you are an NDIS participant, plus a one-way travel charge at the NDIS rate for home, school and community visits. Reports and communication with other people involved in your care (a support coordinator, a teacher, another therapist) have standard fees too. We confirm every fee in writing before the first visit, so there are no surprises.

Yes. OT Life has provided NDIS-funded occupational therapy since the scheme started in New South Wales in 2015, under the Early Childhood Supports and Therapeutic Supports (Capacity Building) categories. We support participants who are self-managed or plan-managed. If your plan is NDIA-managed, ask us: we keep a short list and will tell you honestly how long the wait is.

The NDIS provides support for people with a permanent and significant disability. If you are under 65 and a disability affects your daily activities, you may be eligible. Start with the NDIS eligibility checklist or call the NDIS on 1800 800 110. We can also help you work out what support you may be able to access, and what to ask for at a planning meeting.

Medicare: with a Chronic Disease Management plan from your GP you can claim a partial rebate on up to five allied health sessions a calendar year. Sessions are paid in full and the rebate claimed afterwards. Private health: our therapists are AHPRA-registered and hold Medicare provider numbers, so eligible sessions can usually be claimed on extras cover. Ask us for the item code and check your rebate with your fund before the first visit.

We are based in Sydney’s Inner West and visit clients across the Sydney metropolitan area: homes, preschools, schools, workplaces and group homes. Telehealth sessions are available anywhere in New South Wales.

The first visit is an assessment and a conversation. We look at the everyday things that are hard, the person’s strengths, and what you want to be different, then agree on goals together. For children it is play-based and parents are part of it; for adults it is a practical look at daily life, the home and any equipment. You leave knowing what we recommend and what happens next.

Yes, and we encourage it. Progress happens between sessions, so we give parents, carers and support workers strategies to use at home, and work with teachers and other professionals so everyone is pulling in the same direction.

Life happens. Let us know as early as you can and we will reschedule. Cancellations with less than the notice set out in your service agreement may be charged in line with the NDIS pricing arrangements; the agreement spells this out before you sign.