How the NDIS works

Name: How the NDIS works
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Let us step you through how the NDIS works

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is designed to provide funding to people with permanent and significant disability, so they can access the supports and services they need.

Find out how to get started.

1. Am I eligible for the NDIS?

The first step in accessing the NDIS is to check your eligibility to apply for the NDIS. Your residency, age, and whether you meet the requirements for disability or early intervention support all contribute to your eligibility for the NDIS. You can check your eligibility by following the questions available on the NDIS website using the Eligibility Checklist.

2. Apply for the NDIS

If you meet the criteria for accessing the NDIS, you can apply to become a participant. You can call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 and ask to make an ‘Access Request’ or download the Access Request Form from their website. You may need to include evidence of your disability when you apply – such as information on what your disability is, how long it will last and how it impacts your life. The NDIS website outlines the type of evidence you may need to provide.

3. Your ‘access decision’

The NDIA will decide whether you’re eligible for the NDIS and will send you a letter to tell you. If you’re eligible, you’ll be asked to come to a planning meeting to talk about the supports and funds you need. If you’re not, you can still get information and help from a Local Area Coordinator or Early Childhood Early Intervention Coordinator. They can connect you with supports and services in your local community.

4. Create your plan

Your NDIS plan will be a written agreement as to the types of supports and services you will receive funding for. It’s important to go into your planning meeting well prepared. You should think about your immediate support needs and the long-term and short-term goals you want to achieve through your NDIS plan. Try to be as specific as possible.

You planning meeting is the best time to note the way you want your plan funds managed and if you would like extra help from a support coordinator.

Choose how to manage your NDIS funds

At your planning meeting, you can choose the way you’d like to manage your NDIS funding. There are three options to choose from – self-managed, plan-managed and agency-managed, or a combination of these options.

If you choose to be plan-managed, you can choose a plan management provider, such as MyIntegra, to help you manage your funds, pay providers and track your budget.

Separate funds are provided for in your plan to cover the cost of using a plan manager.

Get extra support

Some participants require extra support to help implement their plans and access supports. You can discuss the reasons why you feel you may need extra support during your planning meeting.

If your planner agrees, you may have additional funding included in your plan to access a support coordinator.

You can choose to use MyIntegra as your support coordination provider. Our friendly team work closely with you to maximise your plan and help you to achieve your goals.

5. Use your plan

Once approved, you can start to use your plan to help you to move towards achieving your goals. Depending on your plan, you can get help from your Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or Support Coordinator to get started.
You also need to understand what’s included in your plan, the management of different budget types within your plan and how you can make you plan work for you. The NDIS has a range of resources to help you learn more about using your plan.

How the NDIS works

Let us step you through how the NDIS works

1. Am I eligible for the NDIS?

2. Apply for the NDIS

3. Your ‘access decision’

4. Create your plan

Choose how to manage your NDIS funds

Get extra support

5. Use your plan

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