The NDIS is Australia’s first national scheme for people with disability. It provides funding directly to the people.
According to statistics, around 4.4 million people in Australia have some form of disability – that is 1 in 5 people. It’s estimated that, in the next five years, approximately 500,000 people will benefit from this scheme – with the funding supporting the services they need everyday.
Along with the funding, NDIS also provides leads and connections related to the services they need in their communities, including doctors, support groups, sporting clubs, educational services as well as details of support extended by the state and territory governments.
NDIS – What does it mean?
- National: The NDIS is being introduced progressively across all states and territories.
- Disability: The NDIS provides support to eligible people with intellectual, physical, sensory, cognitive and psychosocial disability. Early intervention supports can also be provided for eligible people with disability or children with developmental delay.
- Insurance: The NDIS gives all Australians peace of mind if they, their child or loved one is born with or acquires a permanent and significant disability, they will get the support they need.
- Scheme: The NDIS is not a welfare system. The NDIS is designed to help people get the support they need so their skills and independence improve over time.
NDIS key words
- Permanent and significant disability: A permanent disability means your disability is likely to be lifelong. A significant disability has a substantial impact on your ability to complete everyday activities.
- Supports and services: Assistance or products that help a person in their daily life and help them participate in the community and reach their goals.
- Early intervention: Providing support to a person, either a child or an adult, as early as possible to reduce the impacts of disability or developmental delay and to build their skills and independence.
Has your plan been approved?
Are you eligible to go on the NDIS? CLICK HERE to access the NDIS eligibility checklist.
If you think you meet the NDIS requirements you can make an Access Request two ways:
- You can make a Verbal Access Request (VAR) or
- Fill out a paper Access Request Form (ARF).
You will need to provide age and residency evidence. The easiest way to do it is to give the NDIA consent to use your Centrelink record, if you are a Centrelink customer.
You may also need to provide evidence about your disability and how it impacts your everyday life. The easiest way to do it is to ask your treating health professional to complete the ARF – Part F or an NDIA Supporting Evidence form. It helps if you can also supply copies of any existing reports or assessments.
No matter how you make an Access Request you will need to provide the NDIA with the same information and evidence to support your application.
You can get an Access Request form from your Local Area Coordinator, Early Childhood Early Intervention partner (if your child is under 7), your local NDIA office or you can call 1800 800 110.