What is the NDIS in Australia?

If you or a loved one have a disability, no doubt you have heard the term, NDIS Australia.
You may have also found parts of the NDIS overwhelming.

What is NDIS?

The NDIS Australia is a National Disability Insurance Scheme that provides funding to enhance equality and inclusiveness for those with disabilities to live normal, fulfilled lives.

Under the NDIS Australia, the government gives funding to eligible Australians so they can receive the support and care they need. This care can be long term and costly, so the NDIS funding is crucial to many Australians living with disability.

The NDIS is not necessarily available to everybody. Aside from being an Australian citizen or resident, you need to have a recognised disability and be under 65 years of age. NDIS Australia providers, such as Beacon Support, don’t decide on your claim or the basis of it, but we can certainly help you along the way. You can speak to us regardless of what stage you may be in as part of your NDIS journey.

The type of healthcare that gets covered is in relation to your individual circumstances but the NDIS covers those who have a disability from a condition or illness. The NDIS supports those who need assistance to enhance their daily life through personalised care.

A woman in a wheelchair sits beside a child, both smiling and enjoying a moment

How Does NDIS Work?

The essence of NDIS lies in its person-centred approach, focusing on providing individualised support to those living with a permanent or significant disability, underscoring the benefits of NDIS. It's not just about financial aid; it's about building capacities, enabling participation in the community, and improving overall well-being.

Step-by-Step Through the NDIS Process

Step 1: Understanding Eligibility

Before embarking on your NDIS journey, determining eligibility is crucial. You're likely eligible if you are under 65, an Australian citizen or resident, and have a permanent disability that significantly affects your ability to take part in everyday activities. It's also important to consider other support you may need, such as at-home aged care services, to ensure all your needs are comprehensively addressed.

Step 2: Making an Application

Once you've determined you might be eligible, the next step is to make an application to the NDIS. This involves gathering information about your disability and how it impacts your life.

Step 3: Planning Meeting

If your application is successful, you'll be invited to a planning meeting. This is your opportunity to discuss your needs, goals, and aspirations. It's about you and what you want to achieve, so feel empowered to express yourself fully.

Step 4: Receiving Your Plan

After your planning meeting, you'll receive your NDIS plan. This plan outlines the support funded by the NDIS and any other support from the community or other government services that you can access.

Step 5: Putting Your Plan into Action

With your NDIS plan in hand, you can start accessing the supports outlined. Whether it's technology to aid mobility, therapeutic support, or help with daily activities, your plan is tailored to assist you in living a more inclusive and independent life.

Step 6: Plan Review

Your NDIS plan isn't set in stone. It's reviewed periodically to ensure it continues to meet your needs as they evolve. This review is a chance to reflect on what's working, what's not, and what might need to change.

The NDIS is more than a funding scheme; it's a lifeline for many Australians living with disabilities, offering them a pathway to a more independent and fulfilling life. By breaking down the process and understanding how it works, you're taking the first step towards unlocking the full potential of the NDIS and the brighter future it promises.

A man in a wheelchair and a woman are seated together at a table, engaged in conversation.

How Do I Know if I’m Eligible for NDIS?

As part of determining if you are eligible for the NDIS Australia you should ask the following questions in relation to you or the loved one with a disability:

Do you usually need support from a person or equipment to do everyday things for yourself because of an impairment or condition that is likely to be permanent?
Do you usually need support from a person or assistive equipment so you can:
- Understand and be understood by other people?
- Make and keep friends and cope with feelings and emotions?
- Understand, remember and learn new things?
- Get out of bed and move around the home and outside the home?
- Take a bath or shower, dress and eat?
- Do daily jobs, handle money and make decisions?

To read further if you meet the eligibility requirements of the NDIS, visit our page here.

Frequently asked questions about NDIS

How do I apply for the NDIS?

To apply for the NDIS, you can contact us directly, visit an NDIA office, or ask for an Access Request Form. You will need to provide evidence of your disability as part of the application process.

What kind of support does the NDIS provide?

The NDIS provides support that is deemed reasonable and necessary to help individuals reach their goals, including independence, involvement in the community, education, employment, and health and well-being. This can range from personal care to mobility equipment, therapeutic supports, and home modifications. For those needing specialised living arrangements, understanding NDIS SIL (Supported Independent Living) can be particularly beneficial, as it offers a more in-depth look at options for individuals requiring significant support in their daily lives.

Can I choose my own service providers?

Yes, the NDIS empowers participants to choose their own service providers to ensure the support they receive is tailored to their specific needs and goals. You can opt for NDIS-registered providers or non-registered providers depending on your plan management type.

What is the difference between NDIS plan management types?

There are three main NDIS plan management options: NDIA-managed, where providers are paid directly by the NDIA; Self-managed, where participants (or their nominees) directly manage the funds; and Plan-managed, where a registered plan manager is funded in the plan to pay providers on behalf of the participant.

How do I get my NDIS plan reviewed?

NDIS plans are typically reviewed annually. However, if your circumstances change significantly, you can request a review at any time by contacting the NDIA. This ensures that your plan stays relevant to your needs.

Can I receive NDIS funding for services I was already receiving?

The NDIS may fund ongoing supports that are similar to the supports you were receiving before entering the NDIS, provided they meet the criteria of being necessary and reasonable, and are related to your disability.

What happens if I am not happy with my NDIS plan?

If you’re not satisfied with your NDIS plan or the support you’re receiving, you can request a review of your plan. The NDIA offers participants the right to review decisions, including the support provided in your plan.

How does the NDIS support children with disabilities?

The NDIS has an Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) approach for children aged 0-6 years with a developmental delay or disability. ECEI supports children and their families with tailored interventions to help children develop the skills they need to take part in daily activities and achieve the best possible outcomes throughout their life.

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