Living with or caring for someone with a chronic illness or disability can add extra costs and make everyday tasks harder. This page points to supports you may be able to access without using the NDIS.
Some options are quick. Others take forms, calls, or waiting.
Need to speak to someone?
If you are impacted by mitochondrial disease (mito), you can contact the Mito Foundation Helpline for support and information.
If you are looking for support related to another rare or progressive condition, the national directories on this page may be a helpful place to start.
Need to speak to someone?
If you are impacted by mitochondrial disease (mito), you can contact the Mito Foundation Helpline for support and information.
If you are looking for support related to another rare or progressive condition, the national directories on this page may be a helpful place to start.
What do you need help with today?
Help with everyday living costs
Help with everyday living costs
You may be able to get payments, concession cards, or rebates to help with rent and bills. A concession card can also give discounts. What you can get can change by state or territory.
Help getting to appointments or getting around
Help getting to appointments or getting around
You may be able to get help with travel to appointments. This can depend on cost, distance, or access needs. Options can include cheaper public transport fares, help with travel costs for medical trips, or support linked to parking or mobility. Some supports may need a form from a health professional.
Help at home when tasks become harder
Help at home when tasks become harder
You may be able to get help with daily tasks at home. This can help when energy is low or needs change. What is available can depend on your age and situation. Support may include meals, shopping, cleaning, or home safety.
Equipment that can make daily life more accessible
Equipment that can make daily life more accessible
You may be able to get equipment or home changes that make daily life safer and easier. This can be a small item or a bigger home change. Where you go can depend on your age and situation. Options may include state services, My Aged Care, or the NDIS (if eligible and under 65).
Work or study supports
Work or study supports
You may be able to get support to stay connected to work or study. This can help if illness affects your energy, attendance, or travel. Options can include changes at work or study, and money support if hours reduce.
Support for carers, families, and households
Support for carers, families, and households
Carer support can include payments in some cases, and services. Services can include information, counselling or coaching, respite, and help to plan for emergencies. Some support may be available even without a carer payment.
Help coordinating care and reducing out-of-pocket health costs
Help coordinating care and reducing out-of-pocket health costs
You may be able to use Medicare-related options to plan care and lower costs over time. This can include GP plans and referrals. It may also help if you have many appointments or medicine costs in a year. What you can get depends on your situation. Rules can change.
If you need urgent practical help
If you need urgent practical help
If you need help right now, you may be able to find emergency relief and local services. What is available can change by area.
Find out more
A starting point for national support. Covers common services, with trusted links.
For more information about payments, concession cards, and eligibility.
Helps find rebates, discounts, and support by Australian state governments.
Useful national directories
These directories can help you find local services and supports.
- Ask Izzy: a free directory that helps you search for support services near you.
- Disability Gateway: information and links to disability supports and services.
- Carer Gateway: information and support for carers, including how to find respite.
- My Aged Care: information about aged care services and how to access an assessment.
- Services Australia: information about payments and concession cards.
Contact us
Call Mito Foundation's Helpline for more information or assistance on
Please note the Helpline is available Monday to Friday, excluding NSW public holidays.
Immediate support
If you or someone you know needs emergency assistance, please call emergency services on
Mental health support
This page shares information and resources to help you find mental health support that works for you.
Disclaimer: Resources provided by the Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation Limited (Mito Foundation), offers general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. It is essential to assess the suitability of the content for your individual circumstances and make decisions based on your medical condition. The information's accuracy is subject to change, and we do not guarantee ongoing currency or availability. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, Mito Foundation is not obligated to provide updated information. The copyright for this document and its content belongs to, or is licensed to, Mito Foundation, and reproduction without prior written consent is prohibited.
Author: Mito Foundation
Version: 1
Date published: Thursday 5 February 2026