Moving to or from Queensland
Disability services are organised differently in each state and territory, but governments coordinate access to each different system through the National Interstate Portability Protocol.
The Portability Protocol was developed to help people who are moving interstate gain information about, and access to, specialist disability services.
Help available under the protocol may include:
- Information about what disability services may be available in the relevant state or territory
- Help with registering for support in the state or territory you are relocating to
- One-off transfer of disability services funding for a period of 12 months where applicable*
*only some types of disability services funding can be transferred. Transfer of funding is not an entitlement, but a negotiated process based on eligibility under the protocol as well as the guidelines operating in the relevant state or territory.
Whether you are moving to or away from Queensland, it is important to plan ahead to ensure your relocation goes smoothly.
Moving to Queensland
If you are moving to Queensland, contact the relevant state government jurisdiction for disability services in the area you are moving from, and they will contact Queensland Disability Services on your behalf.
Moving away from Queensland
If you currently receive specialist disability support from Disability Services in Queensland, and you are moving interstate, contact your local service centre as early as possible.
Disability Services will consider a request to transfer interstate funding allocated to you, as guided by the Protocol. It is important to note that not all types of funding can be transferred.
Aids and equipment
Generally, you will be able to take your aids and equipment with you when you move interstate.
If you are moving, contact your equipment provider as soon as possible, to:
- confirm what you can take
- make arrangements to hire or borrow equipment that cannot be moved with you
- return or dispose of unwanted items
- transfer outstanding requests for new equipment, repairs/maintenance to the new equipment scheme*
*Documentation from your current equipment scheme about warranty, equipment age, repair history and serviceability in your new location is usually required before a decision can be made about your particular item.
Costs
All moving costs remain your responsibility.
Once you move, the guidelines of the new equipment scheme will apply, including equipment available and any co‑payments, eligibility, prioritisation and waiting list conditions.
Other products
If you receive regular supplies of continence, respiratory or other products, contact your new equipment provider or equipment scheme about what can be provided and the amounts that can be provided, as well as other funding schemes where applicable.
