To access the NDIS the first place to start is to call 1800 800 110
Over 4 million Australians are living with a disability. The Australian government implemented The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in 2013 in selected locations, and in 2016 established the program across the country.
The purpose of NDIS is to provide support to individuals with a disability, helping them achieve their goals and increase independence.
The Australian Government 22 billion dollars is supplied annually to fund services, programs, and supports to persons living with a disability. There are over 300,000 individuals with a disability who are NDIS participants, including 99,000 who live in Victoria.
The aim of NDIS is to ensure all people with a disability are supported and included in society despite their disadvantage, by connecting them to services and facilitating their needs. This aims to help all people reach their full potential, become independent, and actively participate in the community, regardless of their circumstances.
(Information taken from https://www.ndis.gov.au/, National Disability Insurance Agency 2013)
To be eligible for NDIS funding a person must:
To apply for NDIS, you can call 1800 800 110 or go to https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis and follow the prompts to fill in the Access Request form.
View this NDIS video https://www.ndis.gov.au/stories/4770-applying-ndis
The national Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) decides whether a person meets the eligibility criteria and determines how much funding they can obtain. The NDIS Act 2013 suggests what services the participant is entitled to receive. If a person is under 6 years of age, they may be eligible for Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI), instead of NDIS. Evidence such as letters of support from psychologists or doctors and medical history is required.
Once a person is approved, the applicant will receive an access decision letter and an individual plan is developed. The plan is developed based on individual needs and goals the participant wishes to achieve. The participant can then decide whether they would like a support coordinator to help manage their plan or can chose to manage the plan independently. A service provider can be chosen depending on the individuals needs and services desired, to help the individual fulfil what the plan sets out to do. The plan can be reviewed and amended to ensure the participant is happy with its outcomes.
Services and support are determined by an individual’s NDIS plan, and their specific needs or requirements. Participants can contact a service provider to discuss how they can assist in meeting the individual’s goals. Services can include assistance with:
It is important that the services provided are reasonable and necessary, meaning that the support must be directly related to the persons disability. Operational guidelines outline whether a service is reasonable and necessary, based on the NDIS Act 2013.
How is my NDIS plan managed?
It is up to you to decide whether you would like to manage the plan yourself, or if you would like a support coordinator to manage it. You can discuss this with your meeting with an NDIA representative.
How much funding will I receive?
Funding for plans varies across participants, as each individual has unique needs and therefore requires different services and support.
Can I choose my services?
Yes. NDIS gives you flexibility and control to ensure you are receiving the services you desire. Previously persons with a disability were not able to decide their services or providers. NDIS now allows you to make these decisions so that you can be best supported.
Information sourced by National Disability Insurance Agency, https://www.ndis.gov.au/