The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the way the Australian government provides funding to people with disability to meet their individual needs.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is the agency that runs the NDIS.

When you become a ‘participant’ of the NDIS, you are allocated an individual package of funding based on your needs. This gives you control over which providers and services you then choose to support you.

To become a participant of the NDIS there are some eligibility criteria, such as having a disability, being aged between 0 and 65, and living in Australia as an Australian resident.

One important aspect of eligibility for the NDIS is that your disability must be permanent and significant.

This means you need long-term support in your daily life from another person, or from equipment, in one or more of these areas:

• Mobility

• Communication

• Social interaction

• Learning

• Self care

• Self management

If your disability is caused by a medical condition, you can also apply for the NDIS. Your disability needs to be permanent and significant. The NDIS website has an Eligibility Checklistt to guide you through the eligibility process.

An NDIS plan shows funding to support your unique needs and goals. Having funding in your plan means you have control to choose which providers and services you want to support you.

Your plan includes the types of support you need to achieve your goals and aspirations.

Your plan will be based on the discussions you have in your planning meeting with a planner from the NDIA. You can have someone from your support team, friend or family member with you in these planning meetings.

Your plan may change over time as your individual needs change. For example, a child may need a more funds to become more independent as they grow up.

1. Get in touch! We are here to help you access and navigate the NDIS.

2. We can help you see if you are eligible for an NDIS Plan and then submit a referral to get you started. Or you can make a VAR yourself by calling the National Access Team on 1800 800 110.

3. Then we can help you to progress your full application as you will need assistance from professionals, such as your doctor and occupational therapist to apply to the NDIS.

   They will write reports about how your disability impacts your daily life. They will need to use language that links to the NDIS legislation. These reports will provide the NDIS planner with the evidence needed to create your plan.

Do you need extra support, or financial assistance for gaining the evidence to support your NDIS application? Get in touch or see our Referral Support section for more information.