More than 74,620 people have joined the NDIS in the past year. If you want to be a participant in the NDIS, here’s what you need to know.
What is the NDIS?
The NDIS, or the National Disability Insurance Scheme, is a program that aims to provide people with disabilities greater access to the resources they need to achieve their goals. It is managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency, an independent statutory authority that was established to implement the scheme.
The NDIS enables its participants to have greater control over their lives by putting them at the centre of the decision-making process, prioritising their personal goals and aspirations. They provide funding for a diverse range of services and supports that are “reasonable and necessary” to the needs of each participant. The NDIS may also help connect the participant to networks of support in their area. The participant then has the power to decide how these supports can help them reach their goals in areas like independence, employment, health, or education.
What does “reasonable and necessary” mean?
Reasonable and necessary supports refer to things that you need to have because of your disability and are appropriate or fair to have. Your request for support funding will be assessed by an NDIS planner during your Plan Meeting. They will help determine whether your request is:
- Related to your disability and support needs
- Good value for money
- Likely to be beneficial to reaching your goals
Things that the NDIS will likely pay for include:
- Allied Health Supports
- Example: Podiatry, Psychology, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, etc.
- Assistive Technology
- Example: handrails, mobility aids, vibrating alarms, kitchen aids, pressure mattresses, etc.
- Household Help
- Example: Help with meal prep and household or lawn upkeep, delivery services, etc.
- Community Participation Supports
- Example: A driver to get you to programs and medical appointments, a support worker to help you access public transport, community programs and activities, etc.
- Personal Care
- Example: Help dressing or grooming, respite care, 24/7 and overnight care, assistance with toileting, etc.
The NDIS will also assist participants to access supports related to capacity building and employment skills. These may include therapy to build physical or mental wellbeing and build communication skills, lessons and courses for skills to facilitate independence, career planning, and specialised job training.
They may also provide funding for home or vehicle modifications. Each case will be assessed on an individual basis, and an assessment by a qualified professional is usually required to determine what is reasonable and necessary for your situation. The NDIS may help fund access improvements, changes to electrical wiring, and specialised controls for your home or vehicle depending on what is approved.
The NDIS will not provide funding for supports that can be provided by other government or mainstream services, like hospital care, medication, unemployment benefits, and child care.
Other things the NDIS does NOT provide funding for includes:
- Everyday items (groceries, toiletries, cleaning products, etc.)
- Diagnosis
- Mental illness early intervention
- School, TAFE, or university fees
- Housing costs (rent or mortgage payments)
- Ongoing household repairs or maintenance
- Motor vehicles
- Entry fees to events, entertainment venues, and attractions
How does it work?
If you are eligible, the NDIS will provide a funding package spread across several different categories according to a long-term plan that you design. This funding is intended to help you achieve your goals and support you for as long as needed. The NDIS will work with you to outline your goals and needs, as well as the types of supports that will be available to you. Depending on how often your support needs change, your NDIS plan may span one year or longer.
Getting the NDIS funding requires you to go through several steps:
- Check your eligibility
- Complete an Access Request and provide the necessary supporting evidence
- Prepare for your first NDIS meeting
- Attend NDIS Plan meeting with your Planner
- Receive your first NDIS Plan
Do I qualify? What is the next step?
If you are aged between 7-25 years old, you may be eligible for the NDIS. You must also be living in Australia and hold a permanent or special category visa, or be a citizen.
You must also meet some criteria in relation to your disability. You must:
- Have a disability that impairs or affects your ability to perform certain activities without assistance.
- Have a disability attributed to one or more intellectual, neurological, sensory, or physical impairments. An impairment attributable to a psychiatric condition may also meet eligibility requirements.
- Be likely to need support from the NDIS for a significant amount of time, or to reduce the future need for extensive support. If your impairment varies in intensity, such as with chronic episodes, you may still be eligible.
If you are unsure of your eligibility, you can contact us. More than half a million people Australia-wide are participants of the NDIS. We understand there is a alot of information online and it can be a bit confusing – so we are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us at today to find out more.
