When an NDIS participant dies

Whatever your relationship with the NDIS, the days right after a death are not the time to be filling in forms. Sit with what has just happened. The administrative things can wait until next week, or the week after.

Call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 to notify them of the death. They will pause the participant’s plan and explain what happens next. They are used to these calls and will be gentle.

You will need the participant’s name and NDIS number, and a copy of the death certificate when it’s available (it can take 4–6 weeks).

Many support workers will have been close to your loved one for years. They are also grieving. A short message or call — even just to say “Thank you for everything you did. He has died.” — matters more than you might expect.

Their employer or agency should also be told so that they can access support themselves and so that no further visits are scheduled.

NDIS-funded equipment (wheelchairs, hoists, hospital beds, communication devices) is usually returned to the supplier or to the NDIS. Unspent funds in the plan are not paid out — they remain with the NDIS.

If the participant was self-managed, you may have outstanding receipts to submit. The NDIS will guide you through what to do.

Carer Gateway continues to support carers after the death of the person they cared for, including bereavement counselling. You don’t stop being who you were just because the caring role has ended.