Overview of the Disability Support Register process
What is the Disability Support Register?
The Disability Support Register (DSR) is a database used by the Department of Human Services to record all the people who have been confirmed as needing funding (Individual Support Package) to purchase supports that meet their disability needs or Supported Accommodation. The DSR is used to allocate these supports in
a fair and efficient manner when funding or vacancies become available.
Can I apply to be on the DSR?
There are a number of requirements you need to meet before you can submit an application to register on
the DSR.
Ensuring you have met these requirements will make sure you can easily answer all questions in the
application form, and receive a quicker decision about your application.
You need to:
•contact Intake and Response or a disability service provider to confirm you have a disability under the Disability Act 2006. This means that you have an intellectual disability or a physical, sensory, neurological or acquired brain injury that significantly impacts on your daily life. You may need to provide information or documents.
•have support needs related to your disability that are not being met, which:
–are current (support you need now)
–are ongoing (support you need for six months or more)
–can only be met through Disability Services.
How do I know my needs can only be met through Disability Services?
You need to have considered:
•how your needs can be met through your family and friends.
•how your needs can be met through community services like community health services, hospitals,
general practitioner services, schools, transport service, housing agencies, family services, sport, leisure
and recreation activities, and services for people who are ageing
•how your needs can be met through disability service providers in the community.
If you need assistance with considering all the available supports, you can contact Intake and Response on 1800 783 783, or a disability service provider in your local area. You can obtain their details by contacting Intake and Response.
If I meet the requirements, how do I register on the DSR?
You can obtain application documents on the Department of Human Services website
or by contacting Intake and Response. There is a Help Guide that provides information on the application process and tips on what information to include for each question.
To complete the application you will need to provide information about:
•your support needs, and how you are being supported
•your support needs that are not currently being met
•other ways you have tried, or options explored, to meet your needs
•how the support you are requesting will meet these needs.
You will also need to provide:
•the amount and costs of supports you are requesting if you are requesting funding to purchase disability supports (an Individual Support Package)
•more detailed information about your support needs in an individual profile if your are requesting
Supported Accommodation
Send your completed application to your regional Department of Human Services office. Contact details are listed on the back of the application form.
Once your completed application is received you will be advised within four weeks if your application for supports has been successfully registered on the DSR.
What happens if I am registered on the DSR?
If you receive a letter advising that your need for support has been registered on the DSR, this means you
have met the requirements for registration and that the details of the support you need have been added to
the database.
It does not mean that you have been allocated an ongoing disability support. When funding or a vacancy in accommodation becomes available, all people registered for that type of support are considered in the allocation process.
What happens if my situation changes?
It is important that you tell the department if your circumstances change. Information in your application is used to allocate ongoing disability supports, and you need to ensure your application information is accurate and up to date. You can ask for a copy of your application to review at any time.
You need to let the department know immediately if there are changes in:
•the type or amount of support you need
•circumstances that may make your need for support more critical
How is support allocated?
Supports only become available when there is new funding or when someone currently receiving a
disability support no longer needs that support. Therefore it is not possible to know when a support will become available.
The allocation of supports is based on need and does not relate to the length of time you have been on the DSR, as it is not a waiting list. The demand for these supports is high, so allocation is prioritised for people most in need.
Will I be contacted while I am on the DSR?
The department will contact you in writing when:
•you are first registered on the DSR
•every 12 months to remind you to update your information if there are changes
•to confirm any changes to support you are registered for
•if you are being offered an ongoing disability support.
You should let your regional Department of Human Services office know if your contact details change.
Will I be contacted while I am on the DSR?
The department will contact you in writing when:
•you are first registered on the DSR
•every 12 months to remind you to update your information if there are changes
•to confirm any changes to support you are registered for, and
•if you have are being offered allocation of a support.
If your contact details change, you should contact Intake and Response to provide your new contact details.
Who do I contact for more information about process?
You can contact Intake and Response on 1800 783 783, or if you have a case manager you can ask that they follow up on your behalf. There are also information sheets that provide more detail about the process of accessing ongoing disability supports on the Disability Supports Register section on our website: