The Lifetime Support Authority (LSA) will fund ‘necessary and reasonable’ Treatment, Care and Support you need as a result of your Motor Vehicle Injury.

The LSA will consider the need for Treatment, Care or Support and decide whether it is ‘necessary and reasonable’ for you. In making its decision, the LSA will consider several factors, including:

  • injury related – how the service relates to the Motor Vehicle Injury. For example, whether you need an X-ray due to your Motor Vehicle Injury, as opposed to another injury or condition you had prior to the accident
  • benefit to you – how the service will help with your goals for function and participation in daily life. For example, how your ability to propel your wheelchair is helped by physiotherapy
  • appropriateness of the service – whether the service is right for your Motor Vehicle Injury and relates to your MyPlan goals. For example, what evidence is there that hydrotherapy is the most effective treatment for your injury? Are there any alternatives to this type of service?
  • appropriateness of provider – whether the Service Provider is right for your Motor Vehicle Injury and registered with the LSA. For example, is the Service Provider qualified and experienced in your type of injury? If possible, are they located near you?
  • cost effectiveness – whether the service is the most cost-effective option to meet your needs. For example, how will a specialised piece of Assistive Technology reduce the need for attendant care?

No. You may have needs related to your Motor Vehicle Injury that are not Treatment, Care and Support. For example, you may need to see a solicitor about your insurance claim. Even though it’s related to your Motor Vehicle Injury, it does not meet the definition of ‘Treatment, Care and Support’ in the Motor Vehicle Accidents (Lifetime Support Scheme) Act 2013. Therefore, it cannot be funded by the LSA.

Treatment, Care and Support related to your Motor Vehicle Injury can include:

  • medical treatment including surgery, scans, specialist appointments, X-rays, and Pharmaceuticals Products
  • dental treatment
  • rehabilitation including physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy
  • ambulance services
  • respite care
  • Attendant Care and Support Services (including personal care and domestic services)
  • Assistive Technologies including wheelchairs, mobility aids, adjustable beds, respiratory equipment, and communication devices
  • prosthetic and orthotic devices and services
  • education and vocational training
  • home, vehicle, and workplace modification
  • transport costs to and from Treatment, Care and Support (such as taxi costs)
  • counselling for Family members relating to the Motor Vehicle Injury
  • specialist disability accommodation including transitional and respite accommodation.

Services and items the LSA will not fund include:

  • services for injuries or medical conditions you had prior to the Motor Vehicle Accident, unless there is evidence to support the condition has become worse as a result of the Motor Vehicle Injury
  • general household items such as standard furniture, clothes, shoes, textbooks, school fees, linen, household appliances, and whitegoods (unless required for a therapeutic purpose)
  • purchase of houses, cars, or ordinary furniture and appliances
  • rent or bond for rental properties
  • Treatment, Care or Support for medical services, Assistive Technologies or medications not related to your Motor Vehicle Injury from the accident
  • items that were lost or damaged in the Motor Vehicle Accident
  • loss of wages or other weekly benefits
  • assistance to keep your business open, such as paying for temporary staff to do your job
  • additional expenses incurred in hospital or rehabilitation, such as food, laundry, newspapers, magazines, or TV hire
  • Treatment, Care or Support for members of your Family.

No, you will not need to fill in a form. Your Service Planner will contact you by phone or email to discuss your Treatment, Care and Support needs. Your Service Planner will assess each identified need with you on a case-by-case basis to decide if the service is ‘Motor Vehicle Injury-related, Treatment, Care or Support’ and meets the ‘necessary and reasonable’ criteria as outlined in the Lifetime Support Scheme (LSS) Rules. You may need to meet with your Service Planner to assess the identified need in detail and you will be involved in exploring your needs with your Service Planner and relevant Service Providers. It’s important to get approval from the LSA before organising any services.

If you would like to find out more, the LSS Rules are available on the LSA website, lifetimesupport.sa.gov.au

Your Service Planner will contact you and you will receive a copy of your MyPlan.

Your Treatment, Care and Support needs will be reviewed regularly to ensure you are receiving the services you need. If your goals or needs change, speak to your Service Planner.

If you disagree with a decision, you should contact your Service Planner to discuss your concerns.

For further information on disputes, please refer to:

Information Sheet: Resolving Disputes about Treatment, Care and Support Needs.

For more information, please contact your Service Planner  or the Lifetime Support Authority.