Frequently Asked Questions
Some commonly asked questions:
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a program implemented in Australia to provide support and funding to people with disabilities. It is a government-funded initiative that aims to give people with disabilities greater choice and control over the services and support they receive to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.
The NDIS provides individual funding packages to eligible people with disabilities to help them access necessary support and services. These packages can cover a wide range of services, such as personal care, therapy, assistive technology, and home modifications.
The scheme is designed to be flexible and responsive to the needs of each individual, and it aims to create a more inclusive society by promoting the participation of people with disabilities in the community. The NDIS is administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), and is currently being rolled out across Australia.
THE NDIA
Assessing eligibility: The NDIA is responsible for determining who is eligible to participate in the NDIS and who is not, based on the individual’s disability and support needs.
Developing individualized plans: Once a person is deemed eligible, the NDIA works with the individual and their families to develop an individualized plan that outlines the supports and services needed to achieve their goals and live independently.
Allocating funding: The NDIA manages the funding for each participant’s plan, ensuring that the necessary funding is available to pay for the supports and services outlined in the plan.
Managing service provision: The NDIA works with a range of government and non-government organizations to manage the delivery of services and supports to participants, ensuring that they have access to the necessary care and assistance to achieve their goals.
Monitoring and review: The NDIA monitors the progress of each participant’s plan, and reviews and adjusts the plan as necessary to ensure that it continues to meet the individual’s needs and goals.
The NDIS works by providing individualized funding packages to eligible people with disabilities, based on their specific needs and goals. Here are the key steps involved in how the NDIS works:
Assessment: The first step is to determine if someone is eligible for the NDIS. To do this, the person needs to have a permanent disability that significantly affects their ability to take part in everyday activities, and be under the age of 65. An assessment is conducted to determine the person’s eligibility.
Planning: If a person is found eligible, they will work with a planner from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to develop a plan that outlines their goals, needs, and the support they require. The plan is unique to the individual and takes into account their strengths and preferences.
Funding: Once the plan is approved, the person will receive funding to purchase the supports and services outlined in their plan. They have the choice of which providers to use and how they would like to receive their services.
Review: The plan is reviewed regularly to ensure that it is still meeting the person’s needs and goals. Any necessary changes can be made at this stage.
The NDIS is designed to provide flexible and individualized support that is tailored to each person’s specific needs and goals. By giving people with disabilities greater control over the support they receive, the NDIS aims to improve their quality of life and promote their participation in the community.
To be eligible for an NDIS support package, an individual must meet the following criteria:
Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
Be under 65 years of age
Have a permanent and significant disability that substantially impacts their ability to participate in everyday activities
Require support from the NDIS to achieve their goals and participate in the community
The eligibility criteria for the NDIS are quite broad, and a range of disabilities and conditions are covered, including intellectual disability, physical disability, autism, and mental health conditions.
It’s important to note that not everyone with a disability will be eligible for an NDIS support package. The NDIS is intended to provide support for people with significant and permanent disabilities that have a substantial impact on their daily lives. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis, and the assessment process takes into account the individual’s unique circumstances, needs, and goals.
The types of support that can be funded in an NDIS package will vary depending on the individual’s goals, needs, and circumstances. The NDIS aims to provide flexible and individualized support that is tailored to each person’s specific requirements. Here are some examples of the types of support that can be funded in an NDIS package:
Assistance with daily living activities, such as personal care, meal preparation, and household tasks.
Therapeutic supports, including physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.
Assistive technology, such as mobility aids, communication devices, and home modifications.
Community participation supports, including social and recreational activities.
Support coordination to help individuals connect with and manage their services and supports.
Specialist disability accommodation, including shared or individual living arrangements that provide support for people with high needs.
Employment supports, such as job coaching, skills development, and workplace modifications.
The NDIS funding can be used to purchase services from registered providers or through self-managed arrangements, giving individuals greater control over the supports they receive. The type and level of funding that a person receives will depend on their individual circumstances and goals, as well as the funding available through the NDIS.
An NDIS plan is a document that outlines the support and services that an eligible person with a disability will receive through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The plan is developed in collaboration with the person with a disability and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and is tailored to their individual needs, goals and preferences.
The NDIS plan includes the following information:
Goals: The plan outlines the person’s goals and aspirations, such as living independently, finding employment, or accessing community activities.
Support needs: The plan identifies the types of supports and services that the person requires to achieve their goals, such as personal care, therapy, assistive technology or home modifications.
Budget: The plan sets out the funding that the person will receive from the NDIS to pay for the supports and services identified in their plan.
Service providers: The plan allows the person to choose the service providers they want to work with and how they will manage their services and supports.
Review date: The plan also includes a review date, which is usually every 12 months, to ensure that the supports and services are meeting the person’s needs and goals.
An NDIS plan is a key component of the NDIS process, as it provides a framework for the person to access the supports and services they need to achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.
To make an NDIS plan, you will need to follow these steps:
Check eligibility: Firstly, you should check your eligibility for the NDIS. To be eligible, you must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold a protected Special Category Visa, be under 65 years of age and have a permanent and significant disability that substantially impacts your ability to participate in everyday activities.
Contact the NDIS: If you are eligible, you can contact the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) by phone, email or through the NDIS website. They will provide you with information about the NDIS and guide you through the application process.
Provide information: You will need to provide information about your disability, the impact it has on your daily life and the support you currently receive. The NDIA will use this information to determine your eligibility and to help develop your NDIS plan.
Plan development: If you are found eligible, you will work with a planner from the NDIA to develop your NDIS plan. The planner will talk to you about your goals, needs and preferences and work with you to develop a plan that is tailored to your individual requirements.
Plan review: Once your plan is approved, you will receive funding to purchase the supports and services outlined in your plan. Your plan will be reviewed regularly, usually every 12 months, to ensure that it is still meeting your needs and goals.
It’s important to note that the NDIS planning process can take time, and it’s essential to be patient and work closely with the NDIA to develop a plan that meets your needs and goals. If you need help or support, you can also seek advice from a disability advocate or support organization in your area.
To get the support you need through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), you will need to follow these steps:
Assessment: You will need to undergo an assessment process with the NDIA to determine your eligibility for the NDIS and the level of support you require.
NDIS plan: If you are found eligible, you will work with a planner from the NDIA to develop an NDIS plan that outlines the support and services you require to achieve your goals and improve your quality of life.
Plan implementation: Once your plan is approved, you can begin implementing the supports and services outlined in your plan. You can use the funding provided by the NDIS to purchase services from registered providers or through self-managed arrangements.
Service providers: You can choose the service providers you want to work with and how you want to manage your services and supports.
Review: Your plan will be reviewed regularly, usually every 12 months, to ensure that it is still meeting your needs and goals.
It’s important to note that there may be waiting times for some services and supports, and it may take time to find the right providers or to make adjustments to your plan. If you need help or support, you can seek advice from a disability advocate or support organization in your area. They can provide information and guidance on the NDIS and help you access the services and supports you need.