NDIS - What Is It?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government initiative designed to provide support and services to people with disabilities. It aims to empower individuals with disabilities to live more independently and participate fully in their communities. The goal is to enhance the overall quality of life for people with disabilities and provide them with the necessary tools to achieve their aspirations.
What Can The NDIS Fund?
The NDIS provides funding for a range of services and supports tailored to the specific needs and goals of each participant. The services, supports, and funding you receive on the NDIS will depend on your unique circumstances - your diagnosis, how your condition impacts your ability to function and achieve your goals, and how your quality of life can be improved. Some examples of supports the NDIS can fund for you include:
Occupational Therapy
Psychology
Speech Pathology
Specialist Behavioural Intervention Support
Supported Indpendent Living (SIL)
Specialist Disabiltiy Accommodation (SDA)
Respite
1:1 in-home supports
Community Access Supports
Early Intervention
Am I Eligable For The NDIS?
To be eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia, individuals must meet the following criteria:
Permanent Disability: The person must have a permanent impairment or condition that significantly reduces their ability to participate in everyday activities.
Functional Impact: The disability must result in a substantial reduction in the person's ability to carry out activities of daily living or participate in community life.
Age Requirement: The NDIS is available for individuals under the age of 65. If you're over 65, other support services are typically provided by the aged care system.
Australian Residency: The person must be an Australian citizen, hold a Permanent Visa, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
Location: The NDIS must be available in the person's location. The scheme is being rolled out progressively across Australia, so eligibility may depend on the region.
It's important to note that meeting these criteria doesn't automatically guarantee access to the NDIS. To be eligible for the NDIS, there must be evidence of a formal diagnosis that meets the above criteria.
Do I Need To Apply?
Yes! To receive NDIS funding, you will need to submit an Access Request to the NDIS. An Access Request outlines your personal information, your specific conditions, and provides further information and isnight into how your condition impacts your life. You can complete the Access Request yourself although, it should be co-signed by a professional (GP, Allied Health Professional, or other Clinician you are familiar with).
Once you have completed the Access Request, you will be appointed an NDIS Delegate who will support you through the intrake process for the NDIS.
If I Am Eligible, What Funding Will I Receive?
Once you have submitted an Access Request to the NDIS and your access to the scheme has been confirmed, you will be appointed an NDIS delegate. The delegate will conduct an individualised assessment (sometimes referred to as an NDIS Planning Meeting) of needs and goals to determine the appropriate level of support and funding required.
Its best to ensure your NDIS delegate has access to all the information about you, your condition, and how your condition impacts you, to ensure their assessment is accurate. Information which should be provided includes:
Evidence of your diagnosis
Results of any assessments which have been completed as part of your treatment
Summary reports from any Clinician who you are already receiving treatment from (which details the support they have been providing to you, your progress towards goals, and their clinical reccomendations)
Carer Impact Statement (If you have a carer or, if you are the carer for the child you are applying on behalf of)
I Have Two Children Applying For The NDIS Who Have The Same Diagnosis, Will They Receive The Same Funded Supports?
No, not necessarially.
The reason for this is that no two people living with the same condition require identifical supports. Each child will receive their own NDIS Plan which includes indiviualised funding for individualised supports to meet their unique needs. The delegate will conduct an individualised assessment (sometimes referred to as an NDIS Planning Meeting) of needs and goals to determine the appropriate level of support and funding required.
When Will I Receive The Funding?
After your NDIS Planning Meeting has been completed, your NDIS Plan will be developed. You or your NDIS Plan Nominee (if you have one) will receive your NDIS Plan generally within a few weeks after your planning meeting. In the plan, you will be able to see what supports you have been funded for and what your budget is for each type of support you have been provided.
What If I Dont Receive The Funding I Asked For?
The funding you receive is not always final and you can request a review of the decision the NDIA has made about your funding. If you do not recieve the funding you ask for and you believe you have sufficent evidence to warrant that funding, you should communicate with either a Local Area Coordinator, a Support Coordinator, or a Disability Advocate.
Further Reading
If you'd like to learn more about the NDIS, you will find lots of useful information below:
