Understanding the NDIS: Simple Answers to Your Top Questions
Trying to make sense of the NDIS? Whether you're just getting started or need help understanding how it all works, this guide is here to help. We've answered some of the most common questions in a simple, clear way.
In this blog post, you can skip to a question by clicking on the links below:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (or NDIS) is an Australian government-funded program that helps Australians from 9 to 65 years old who are living with disabilities.
The NDIS pays for supports to help people with disabilities and helps to connect people to community support such as peer groups.
2. What is the NDIA?
The NDIA is the National Disability Insurance Agency that runs the NDIS. The NDIA makes decisions about whether someone is eligible to become an NDIS participant and, if so, how much funding they will receive.
Depending on where you live and how old you are, you may also be in contact with other organisations that are NDIS partners including:
• Local Area Coordination Partners (LAC)
• Early Childhood Partners
• Remote Community Connectors
3. What things does the NDIS pay for?
From 3 October 2024, people using the NDIS can only spend their funds on approved NDIS supports. There is also a list of things NDIS funding can't be used for.
The NDIS covers 37 types of support, including:
1. Help with personal care and daily tasks
2. Access to therapies, nursing and specialist services
3. Equipment, assistive technology, and home modifications
The supports available depend on each person's individual needs and goals.
Important NDIS Changes From 3rd October 2024
Starting 3 October 2024, the NDIS has introduced new legislation that affects both new applicants and current participants.
What’s Changing and What It Means for You
1. Clearer Application Process
When applying for the NDIS, the NDIA will now assess whether you meet the disability requirements, early intervention requirements, or both.
In the future, tailored participant pathways will be introduced, ensuring that once approved, you’re connected with the right type of support for your needs.
2. Stricter Eligibility Rules
• The NDIS is now only available for people who require NDIS-specific supports. This will make it clearer if other government or health services can meet your needs.
3. NDIS Supports and Replacement Rules
From 3 October, NDIS funds can only be used for NDIS-approved supports.
If a support you need is not classified as an NDIS support, you can apply for a replacement support. When applying, you'll need to provide:
• Details about the new support (including its cost)
• The NDIS support(s) you’re replacing
• An explanation of how the new support will work the same or better
4. New Rules for Reapplying
If your NDIS access is revoked and you request a review, you must wait until the review is completed before submitting a new application.
5. More Transparency in Funding and Supports
• NDIS funding can only be used for impairments that meet the disability or early intervention criteria.
• If your application is successful, you will receive an impairment notice listing the conditions that qualify you for NDIS support.
6. Changes to Plan Management
If you self-manage your plan or use a registered plan manager, the NDIA can review your plan management if they believe funds are not being spent correctly.
They also have the authority to change how your plan is managed if there are concerns about fraud or misuse of funds.
7. Future Changes to Planning and Assessments
In the future, all NDIS participants will complete a support needs assessment process to determine their disability support needs.
What This Means for You
If you're applying for the NDIS, these changes mean:
A clearer process for assessing eligibility based on disability or early intervention needs
Stricter rules on who can access the NDIS and how funds are used
More structured assessments and planning in the future
For up to date information on the lists of supports, check the NDIS website.
4. How to Apply for the NDIS
Getting started with the NDIS can feel confusing, but there are a few ways to apply:
1. Call the NDIS - You can phone the NDIS to ask about applying. They'll explain the steps and may connect you with a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) for extra help.
2. Download the Access Request Form -You can fill out the form yourself and send it to the NDIS. You'll need to provide details about your disability and supporting medical evidence.
3. Get Help from a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) -Most people are referred to an LAC, who can guide you through the process and help with the paperwork.
If you're unsure where to start, contacting the NDIS is often the easiest way to get support with your application.
To apply for the NDIS, you must meet the following requirements:
• Be aged 9 to 65 years old. For children aged under 9, it's best to visit the NDIS website or call the NDIS for more information.
• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or protected special category visa. You must be living in Australia to access the NDIS.
• You must have a permanent disability that affects your daily life. This means a lasting condition that makes it harder to do everyday activities. It doesn't matter if you were born with it or if it happened because of an accident, injury, or illness.
Providing Evidence for Your NDIS Application
As part of your application, you’ll need to provide evidence of your primary disability.
Your primary disability is the main condition that has the biggest impact on your daily life. It’s the disability that requires the most support and is the main reason you’re applying for the NDIS.
The information that the NDIS needs to assess your application may include medical reports or assessments from qualified health professionals who can confirm your condition and how it impacts your daily life.
The NDIS accepts evidence from a range of health professionals, depending on the type of disability. These may include the health professionals below. More information is available on the NDIS website.
The NDIS looks at different types of disabilities. Your condition must be linked to at least one of the following:
1. Intellectual - Affects learning, memory, speaking, reading, and problem-solving.
2. Cognitive - Impacts thinking, focus, and decision-making.
3. Neurological - Affects how the brain and nervous system work.
4. Sensory - Impacts vision or hearing.
5. Physical - Affects movement and how you use your body.
Not sure if you qualify? The NDIS can assess your needs and help you find out. Visit the NDIS website for more information.
| Primary Disability | Treating Health Professionals |
|---|---|
| Acquired Brain Injury | Multidisciplinary team (ABI health professionals) |
| Autism | Paediatrician, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist |
| Cerebral Palsy | Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Paediatrician, Physiotherapist |
| Hearing Impairment | Audiologist |
| Intellectual Disability, Developmental Delay, Global Developmental Delay, Down Syndrome | Multidisciplinary team (Paediatrician, Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist) |
| Multiple Sclerosis | Neurologist, Disease Steps trained Nurse examiner |
| Psychosocial Disability | Paediatrician, Psychiatrist, General Practitioner (GP), Psychologist (in limited cases), Mental Health Allied Health Professionals |
| Spinal Cord Injury | Neurologist, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Recreational Therapist, Psychologist, Psychiatrist |
| Stroke | Neurologist, Multidisciplinary team |
| Vision Impairment | Ophthalmologist |
| Other | Paediatrician, Occupational Therapist, Speech Therapist, Physiotherapist, Social Worker |
5. What is the NDIS Application Process?
The application process has several steps and documents required. The first step is to contact the NDIS who will be able to explain the process and help you with completing the application form which is called the access request form.
Contact the NDIS and connect with your Local Area Support Coordinator
If you meet the requirements and want to get the process started, the first step is to contact the NDIS and they will help connect you to a Local Area Coordinator.
The Local Area Coordinator is the person who will be helping you understand the requirements, and the information you need to have for the access request form.
The Local Area Coordinator is also called a NDIS partner. You will meet with your Local Area Coordinator and they can help you to apply to the NDIS and complete the access request form.
If you live in an area that does not have a Local Area Coordinator, you can contact the NDIS directly and they will support you when you are submitting the access request form.
Next, you will need to get supporting information such as medical reports or assessments to show as evidence of the disability.
What information is needed to apply for the NDIS?
To complete the Access Request form, you will need the following information:
1. Documents to confirm your identity, age and where you live.
2. A letter from your GP, medical assessments, reports or clinical notes to provide evidence of your disability and how it is affecting your daily life. You will need to contact your GP or other medical professionals who are involved or providing therapy support to you.
3. A statement from you to show how your disability is affecting your daily life.
4. If you have anyone involved in supporting you, such as a partner, carer, parent, relative or friend, they may also write a carer's statement to support your application.
The local area coordinator will lodge the application on your behalf and make copies of all important documents.
What happens after the application is lodged?
You will receive an outcome letter to say whether your application meets requirements. Usually this is within 21 days.
If your application meets the requirements and you are eligible, the NDIS will get in touch with you to set up a meeting for your first plan.
Visit the NDIS website for more details and information.
6. What happens at the NDIS Plan Meeting?
The NDIS will contact you to set up a plan meeting, which is over the phone. In the meeting, you will talk about goals, your disability support needs, and any updates to your personal information. You will also discuss how you will manage your plan, either self managed, plan managed, or managed by the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) who run the NDIS.
After the plan meeting, there is a waiting period and then you will be contacted by an NDIS planner either on email and over the phone to confirm the amount of funding available on your NDIS plan and what you're going to get.
You will receive your NDIS plan on email and also in the mail. The NDIS plan will set out your supports and funding amounts.
The NDIS plan will list the items, services and equipment that the NDIS can pay for.
Managing Your NDIS Plan
Once your NDIS plan is approved, the next step depends on how you’ve chosen to manage it. If you’ve decided to use a
plan manager, now is the time to find one.
A plan manager takes care of invoicing and paperwork, making sure your funding is used correctly. They can also answer any questions you have along the way.
Need help?
If you're looking for support with managing your NDIS plan, we're here to help. Feel free to reach out if you'd like to learn more about our transition support services. Call the BCD team on 1800 275 223, we’re here to help you.
At BCD, our disability support services are all about helping individuals with disabilities achieve their goals, grow their independence, and enjoy a life full of possibilities.
Real Customers, Real Stories - Achieving Independence with the Right Support
Through our related services, like disability supports, we've supported many people in reaching their independence goals,
like John, who lives with an Acquired Brain Injury and successfully returned to work. You can read John’s story here.
Sources:
NDIS Website: https://www.ndis.gov.au/
NDIS Guidelines: https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/would-we-fund-it/what-does-ndis-fund
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the content, we encourage you to visit the relevant government websites for the most up-to-date and official information.