If you or a loved one currently have a disability, you may have heard of the NDIS, and have questions such as what is the NDIS, when was the NDIS introduced, who is eligible for the NDIS, how do I apply for the NDIS, how does the NDIS work, and what can I claim on the NDIS.
The goal of this blog post is to provide you with answers to the most commonly asked questions about the NDIS, and it is recommended you contact the NDIS directly on 1800 800 110 for more in-depth answers to any questions you may have.
What’s NDIS mean?
NDIS stands for ‘National Disability Insurance Scheme’ and has been introduced to assist Australians under the age of 65 with permanent and significant disability get the support they need to improve their skills and independence over time.
When was NDIS Introduced?
The NDIS is a scheme that was first introduced in Australia in 2013, and has been rolling out to different parts of the country. It is currently administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and is expected to be in full operation nationally by 2020.
Who is Eligible for NDIS?
To be eligible for the NDIS you or your loved one need to live in Australia, be between 7-65 years of age, and either be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Visa Holder, or Protected Special Category Visa holder, and require support or special equipment due to permanent and significant disability.
How do I Apply for NDIS?
If you meet the eligibility criteria for the NDIS, check to make sure the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is available in your area, by visiting https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/ndis-rollout and then once confirmed just call 1800 800 110 and ask to make an ‘Access Request’.
How NDIS works?
The NDIS works based off written agreements tailored according to individual needs. After you receive an ‘Access Decision’ Letter, you will need develop your NDIS Plan by answering questions about:
- How you are going in different areas of your life.
- What goals you would like to achieve.
- What kind of help and support you need.
What can I claim for NDIS?
What you can claim will depend on your NDIS Plan and will be different for every individual, but in general the NDIS will provide support that is considered “reasonable and necessary” to help you:
- Pursue your goals, objectives and aspirations.
- Increase your independence.
- Increase your social and economic participation
- Develop your capacity to actively take part in the community.
Following are some examples of what you might be eligible for under NDIS funding, but just keep in mind that funding is ultimately determined by your NDIS Plan, and everyone will be different:
- Support workers to help you with daily tasks such as getting out of bed, showering, preparing meals, eating, shopping and going out.
- Therapy to improve your skills and maintain health and wellbeing.
- Equipment such as wheelchairs, rollators, ramps etc
- Items you need to use frequently due to your disability whether it be incontinence pads, feeding equipment or interpreting/translating equipment.
- Travelling related expenses such as car modifications, help getting a license, or help getting around where your disability prevents you from using public transport.
- Education to help you find and keep a job, or build your own business.
- Training family and friends about your needs and how to take care of you.
- Funding for behaviour and peer support as well as improving your social skills.
For more information about what you may be able to get funded under the NDIS feel free to download the NDIS Price Guide
https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/price-guides-and-pricing
In conclusion, we hope that we've been able to answer some of the questions you have about the NDIS, but if you have any further enquiries we encourage you to visit https://www.ndis.gov.au/ or call 1800 800 110.