Understanding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian initiative designed to provide support and services to people with disabilities.
It is a person-centred scheme that focuses on individual needs, goals, and aspirations. The NDIS aims to empower its participants to enhance their independence, well-being, and participation in the community.
The NDIS scheme provides funding to eligible participants through three main funding categories:
Core Supports
This category covers everyday supports that are essential to a participant’s daily life. It includes assistance with personal care, household tasks, and accessing the community. Core Supports funding is flexible, allowing participants to allocate it based on their changing needs and priorities
Capital Supports
Capital Supports funding is allocated for more significant and long-term support needs. It covers items such as assistive technology, equipment, and home modifications that enhance independence and accessibility. This funding enables participants to invest in capital items and modifications with lasting benefits.
Capacity Building Supports
Capacity Building Supports focus on developing skills, achieving goals, and increasing independence. This category includes funding for therapy, training, education, employment support, social and recreational activities, and building relationships and community connections.
What is the Eligibility Criteria for NDIS?
To access the NDIS, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. These include:
- Age: You must be under the age of 65 at the time of application.
- Residency: You need to be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
- Disability: You need to have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to participate in everyday activities.
When determining eligibility, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) may request relevant information, including medical reports and assessments, to assess the permanency and impact of the disability on your daily activities.
It’s worth noting that eligibility for the NDIS is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and decisions are made considering the specific circumstances and needs of each individual. Learn more about it here.
How to Access Support Through the NDIS?
To access support through the NDIS, you need to follow these steps:
- Check Your Eligibility: Use the NDIS Access Checklist to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria.
- Make an Access Request: If you’re eligible, you need to contact the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) on 1800 800 110 and make a verbal request. You can also apply by filling out the Access Request Form.
- Assessment: The NDIA will assess your application and determine your eligibility for the NDIS.
- Develop Your Plan: If approved, you will work with an NDIS planner to develop your individualised NDIS plan, outlining your goals, needs, and supports.
- Implement Your Plan: Once your plan is approved, you can start implementing your support and accessing services through registered or unregistered NDIS providers.
- Review and Renewal: Your NDIS plan will be reviewed regularly to ensure it continues to meet your needs. You can also request plan reviews or changes when necessary.