The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a vital program in Australia designed to provide support to people with disability. Navigating the NDIS can seem overwhelming at first but understanding the basics and making use of disability services in NSW can help make the process much smoother.
This guide will help you understand how to access the NDIS, what services are available, and how to get the most out of the program.
What is NDIS?
The NDIS is a national scheme that provides funding for people with disabilities. Its aim is to give people choice and control over the support they receive. As such, it helps people with disabilities live more independently and participate in their communities.
Who is Eligible for NDIS?
To be eligible for the NDIS, the following essential criteria should be met:
- The applicant must be under 65 years old at the time of application.
- The applicant must be a permanent resident, an Australian citizen, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
- The applicant must have a permanent disability that has a large impact on their ability to complete everyday activities.
If you meet these criteria, you can apply for the NDIS.
How to Apply for NDIS
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Check that you meet the eligibility criteria before you apply. You can use the NDIS eligibility checklist available on their website or contact the NDIS or speak with Living My Way for assistance.
Step 2: Make an Access Request
If you are eligible for NDIS support, it is necessary to make an access request. You can do this by calling the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or by completing an Access Request Form. You will also need to provide information about your disability, how it affects your daily life, and any support you currently use.
For those in Sydney, seeking assistance from Support coordination providers can assist you to complete your Access Request form accurately and thoroughly.
Step 3: Provide Supporting Information
It will be necessary to provide evidence of your disability. This might include reports from doctors, therapists, or other healthcare professionals. The NDIS will use this information to determine if you are eligible for the NDIS scheme.
Step 4: Receive an Outcome
After you submit your access request, the NDIS will review your application and supporting documents and inform you of their decision. They may seek additional documents to help with the decision. If you are approved, you can move on to the planning stage. If you are not approved you will be notified in writing.
Planning Your NDIS Supports
Once you are approved for the NDIS, you can work together with a planner or NDIS support services to create your NDIS plan. This plan will outline your goals and the support you need to achieve them. Here’s how the planning process works:
Step 1: Prepare for Your Planning Meeting
Before your planning meeting, it is important to think about your current supports and who provides them, and what supports and services you may need to pursue your goals. For instance, you can consider areas such as daily living, health, education, work, and social activities. Furthermore, you can write down your thoughts so you can discuss them with your planner.
Step 2: Attend Your Planning Meeting
In your planning meeting, you will discuss your goals/activities and tasks you want to pursue and needs with your planner. It is essential to be honest and detailed about what support you require. The planner will use this information to create a plan tailored to your requirements.
Step 3: Review Your Plan
After the meeting, you will receive a draft of your NDIS plan. Accordingly, you will need to analyse it carefully to make sure it includes everything you need. If you have any concerns or need changes, it is recommended that you discuss them with your planner. You will be advised of how cclong it will take to get your NDIS plan approved.
Step 4: Approve Your Plan
Once you are happy with your plan, and it is approved, and you can start using your NDIS funding to access support and NDIS support services.
Using Your NDIS Plan
Your NDIS plan provides funding for a range of supports and services. Here’s how to use your plan effectively:
Step 1: Understand Your Plan
Your NDIS plan will outline your goals and the funding allocated to each support category. As such, it is important to familiarise yourself with your plan so you know what supports you can access and how much funding is available.
Step 2: Choose Your Providers
You can choose from a range of registered NDIS providers who offer the support you need. You can use the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission website to find registered providers that meet your needs and preferences.
Step 3: Arrange Your Supports
Once you have chosen your providers, you can contact them to arrange your support. Discuss your needs and how they can help you achieve your goals. Make sure you understand any service agreements or contracts before you sign them.
Step 4: Manage Your Funding
You can manage your NDIS funding in different ways, including the following:
- Self-managed: You or your plan nominee manage your funding and pay providers directly.
- Plan-managed: Registered NDIS providers help you manage your funding and pay providers on your behalf.
- NDIA-managed: Your money is managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), and they pay your providers directly.
Step 5: Monitor Your Progress
We recommend keeping track of how your support services are helping you achieve your goals. As such, you can regularly review your plan and discuss any changes or new needs with your providers and planner.
Reviewing and Updating Your Plan
If your situation changes you can ask to review your plan or the NDIS will routinely evaluate your plan to make sure it still meets your needs. You can ask a family member, friend, advocate or other support person to be involved in your plan review. Here’s how the review process works:
Step 1: Schedule a Review Meeting
Before your plan ends, you will have a review meeting with your NDIS support services. This meeting is an opportunity to discuss what is working well and what needs to change.
Step 2: Prepare for Your Review
Think about your progress and any new goals or needs you have. Gather any supporting information, such as reports from healthcare professionals, to help with your review. If you have a support coordinator you will need a report from them.
Step 3: Attend Your Review Meeting
In your review meeting, which can be face to face or over the phone, you can discuss your progress and any changes you need to your plan. Accordingly, your planner will help you update your plan to reflect your current needs and goals.
Step 4: Implement Your Updated Plan
Once your updated plan is approved, you can start using your new funding to access the support you need.
Getting the Most Out of NDIS
Be Informed
Stay informed about the NDIS and the support available to you. The NDIS website and phone support 1800 800 110, are good sources of helpful information.
Be Proactive
Take an active role in managing your plan. Keep track of your progress, communicate regularly with your providers, and don’t hesitate to ask for changes if needed
Communicate
Keep open lines of communication with your planner and providers. Share your goals and concerns, so they can support you more effectively.
Plan Ahead
Regularly review your plan and think about your future needs. Planning ahead can help ensure you always have the support you need.
Conclusion
Navigating the NDIS can seem like a complex process, but with the right help you can successfully access and use the scheme to improve your quality of life if you qualify. Remember to stay informed, be proactive, seek support when needed, communicate openly, and plan ahead. This will help assist you to best utilise your NDIS plan and help achieve your goals.
