NDIS Explained
Understanding NDIS
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government program designed to assist people with disabilities to live more independently and achieve their goals.
The NDIS is for Australians under the age of 65 who have a permanent and significant disability. It aims to provide them with the reasonable and necessary support they require to enjoy their everyday life.
How Does it Work?
- Eligibility: Individuals need to meet certain disability and residency requirements to be eligible for the scheme.
- Planning: Eligible individuals work with NDIS representatives to develop a personalised plan, outlining their goals and the support needed to achieve them.
- Funding: Once a plan is approved, individuals receive funding from NDIS to access the services, therapies, and equipment identified in their plan.
- Implementation: Individuals can then use their NDIS funding to access approved service providers and support to help them achieve their goals.
Types of NDIS Support
- Core Supports: These basic supports assist participants with their everyday activities and enhance their quality of life. Core support may encompass assistance with daily tasks such as personal care, transportation to access community, social, work, or educational activities, and support to sustain informal caregiving arrangements.
- Capital Supports: This category focuses on funding bigger-ticket items that invest in a participant’s future independence and well-being. This includes specialised adaptive technology, equipment like wheelchairs or hearing aids, home or vehicle modifications, and funding for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
- Capacity Building Supports: These supports aim to build the skills and capacities of the participant. They encompass training and developmental activities to increase a participant’s independence and community engagement. This can range from building interpersonal skills and improving health and well-being to finding employment and furthering education.
Check your Eligibility
To determine if you’re eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), consider the following key criteria:
- Age: Must be under 65 years of age when applying.
- Residency: Must be an Australian citizen, hold a Permanent Visa, or a Protected Special Category Visa.
- Disability Requirement: Have a permanent and significant disability that impacts your ability to perform everyday activities.
- Early Intervention: For children under 6: Experience developmental delays that require additional support. Early intervention support would be beneficial to mitigate the potential future impact of the disability.
- Location: Reside in an area where the NDIS is available.
