Continuity of Support Arrangements (CoSA)
CoSA is State-funded support for people under 65 who don't meet the NDIS residency requirements but were receiving State-funded disability-related supports. Much like the NDIS, it works to an allocated budget — and if this is your child, we're glad to work with you.
Understanding CoSA
Continuity of Support Arrangements (CoSA) is administered by the Western Australian Department of Communities. When WA joined the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), the State took on responsibility for continuing to support certain people who were already receiving State-funded disability-related supports but who don't meet the NDIS residency requirements.
In plain terms, CoSA is there so that a young person who would otherwise fall between the gaps — not eligible for the NDIS on residency grounds, but previously supported by the State — can keep accessing the disability-related supports they need.
If your child is funded through CoSA, they can access our support just like families using any other funding type. Our admin team is happy to talk through how it works alongside your Local Coordinator.
CoSA eligibility
CoSA is designed for a specific group. Broadly, it may apply to people who:
Are under 65
CoSA supports people under 65 years of age — including children, adolescents and young adults.
Don't meet NDIS residency requirements
They aren't able to access the NDIS because they don't meet its residency criteria.
Were receiving State-funded support
They were already receiving State-funded disability-related supports before the transition to the NDIS.
How CoSA works
Access to CoSA is arranged through the Department of Communities and a Local Coordinator, who supports your planning.
Apply through Communities
Eligibility for CoSA is determined by the Department of Communities. If you're eligible, a Local Coordinator will be in touch to explain the planning process.
Plan with your Local Coordinator
Your Local Coordinator helps identify goals and needs, and supports you to access the services that will help your child pursue them.
Get in touch with us
Once your supports are in place, contact us and our admin team will help you get your child booked in across any of our services and locations.
Your Local Coordinator
Local Coordinators have local knowledge and provide advocacy, information and planning support to people with disability under 65 who aren't eligible for the NDIS. They help you identify goals, build confidence to plan ahead, and access the supports and services you need — including funding, where appropriate. They're a great first point of contact if you're unsure where to begin.
Not sure if CoSA applies to your child?
Eligibility for CoSA is decided by the Department of Communities, not by us. If you think your child might be eligible, the Department's Local Coordination team can help — you can reach them on 0499 810 312 or at COSA@communities.wa.gov.au.
If CoSA isn't the right fit, there may be other ways to fund your child's care. You can explore all the options on our funding page, or get in touch and we'll help you work it out.