Understanding
the NDIS
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an initiative by the Australian government aimed at providing essential supports and services to people with disability. The goal is to help people with disability achieve their goals. This individualised support offers greater freedom of choice, a better quality of life and more community participation.
Who is eligible for the NDIS?
To access the NDIS, you must meet certain eligibility criteria before you apply. Generally, individuals must:
- Be aged under 65.
- Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa
- Have a permanent and significant disability.
- Require support to perform daily activities.
Getting started with your NDIS plan
How do I get a NDIS plan?
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply to become a NDIS participant. You can call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 and ask to make an “Access Request” or download the access request form on their website.
Once your access request is approved, you’ll be asked to attend a planning meeting to create a NDIS plan. The plan will outline the supports and funds you need to achieve your goals.
This planning meeting is the best time to discuss if you want to manage your funds with the help of a NDIS Plan Manager and if you need a Support Coordinator.
What is included in a NDIS plan?
A NDIS plan is tailored to your needs and aspirations. It includes various supports under different categories such as:
- Core supports: Assistance with daily activities, personal care and community participation.
- Capacity building supports: Services that enhance skills and independence, such as therapy and training.
- Capital Supports: Funding for assistive technology, home modifications and other specialised equipment.
Your NDIS plan outlines the funding allocated for each budget type and support category and provides guidance on accessing these services.
Getting the help you need
Managing an NDIS plan can be tough. From understanding how NDIS funds can be used, to finding the right service providers, there's a lot to tackle. So don't do it alone. Our dedicated team of plan managers and specialist support coordinators are here to help. We'll walk you through how the NDIS works,, manage your funding, and find the right supports. You make the decisions, we'll handle the rest.
Frequently asked questions
The NDIS was created by the Australian government to reform the disability sector. It intends to redefine how people with disability access critical supports. A key part of this national scheme is that it's not impacted by non-NDIS costs like a disability support pension.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme Act (NDIS Act) provides eligible people with disability access to NDIS services. It is a new way to get individualised support that really makes a difference. As an NDIS participant, you will get a tailored NDIS plan based on what you need to achieve your goals, and support with everyday activities. NDIS funds can pay for a range of supports and service providers, including:
- Daily personal activities
- Transport
- Therapeutic supports
- Help with household tasks and personal care
- Mobility equipment
and so much more!
Every NDIS plan is built on the same formula but unique to the individual needs of an NDIS participant. It will cover some important details including:
- your name
- NDIS number
- local NDIA office
- your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) details
- start date and review date
- Part 1 - About Me: This provides a short description of you, your daily life, the activities you enjoy, and the people who support you.
- Part 2 - My Goals: Here, your goals are broken down in detail. These are the goals you would have covered with your LAC or Planner in your initial meeting, and are what you will work towards throughout your plan.
- Part 3 - My Supports: This summarises services in your plan including informal supports (family and friends), local community groups and government services (health, transport, etc). It then outlines the 'Reasonable and Necessary' supports your funding will cover.
The actual NDIS plan covers three key parts:
The NDIS was rolled out slowly state by state, with several trial periods, to ensure a stable, effective system. The Roll-out was completed in 2020 and now all Australian citizens have access no matter which state they live in.
The NDIS is implemented and overseen by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
Local Area Coordinators (LAC) help NDIS participants and carers define and work towards their goals. Every NDIS plan has an assigned LAC that will be yours to work with. An LAC will help you with:
- Finding relevant information that you need.
- Understanding the NDIS system and your journey through it.
- Creating your NDIS plan with individualised support and goals. The actual approval of the plan sits with the NDIA.
- Implementing your NDIS plan, including access the disability services you need. Your LAC is also the person to contact with any questions you have.
- Assessing your plan regularly to make sure you're on track with your goals, have the best service providers on board, and make changes if needed.
An Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) Coordinator helps parents manage an NDIS plan for their child. This is aimed at NDIS participants under 6 years of age. An ECEI coordinator can help you with:
- Finding appropriate early intervention supports
- Providing short-term early intervention
- Requesting access to the NDIS
- Developing your NDIS plan
- Understanding your NDIS plan
- Defining what NDIS services you can access with funding
- Connecting with the right service providers
- Managing service agreements
- Answering questions you have about your plan or the NDIS
You can find the closest ECEI or LAC to you on the NDIS website. However, note that they may not be your allocated partner. Your NDIS plan should have details on the LAC that has been assigned to you. You can also call the NDIS customer service team at 1800 800 110 to learn more.
The NDIS plan you receive is based on your individual needs, and approved by the NDIA. They will discuss your existing situation (current supports, goals, etc) to determine the best disability supports to cover.
To be funded, these supports must:
- relate to your disability
- be effective in helping with everyday activities
- not cover living costs unrelated to your disability
- address informal supports you currently have
- denote value for money.
Navigating the
NDIS made easy
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