Focus Care Focus Care
1800 362 871

NDIS 5 Step Guide

Read our Focus Care NDIS 5 Step Guide here, and learn how you can apply for support from the NDIS.

Before you start:

Have a look at our NDIS eligibility checklist: 

  • Are you aged between 7 and 65? 

  • Do you live in Australia and have Australian residency? 

  • Do you usually need support from a person because of a permanent and significant disability? 

  • Do you use special equipment because of a permanent and significant disability? 

  • Do you need some supports now to reduce your future needs? 

1. How to apply

Anyone who thinks they might be eligible for the NDIS, can download an Access Request Form (ARF), and a Supporting Evidence Form (SEF), work with their GP, allied health, and specialist medical professionals to prepare and provide the information required. 

Anyone who thinks they are eligible for the NDIS can: 

  • phone 1800 800 110 and make a verbal access request, or 

  • download and complete the ARF on your computer and email it to the NDIA with supporting information, or  

  • download the ARF on your computer, print it out, and mail it to the NDIA with supporting information, or 

  • email [email protected] and ask for an ARF to be mailed, or  

  • contact your local NDIA office and asking for an ARF to be mailed to you. 

 

2. Receiving your access decision

When you have provided all necessary information, the NDIA will make a decision about whether you are eligible for the NDIS. 

We will send you a letter to tell you about the decision. This is called an ‘access decision’. 

If you are found eligible 

If you are eligible for the NDIS, you will be contacted to arrange a planning meeting to discuss your support and funding needs. 

If you are found not eligible 

If you are not eligible for the NDIS, you can still get information and help from an NDIS Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to access supports and services in your community. 

If you disagree with the NDIA’s review of your access request, you can apply for a review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). 

Visit the AAT website at www.aat.gov.au  (external) or call 1800 228 333 

 

3. Preparing for your planning meeting

The NDIS has created a checklist which can help you prepare for your planning meeting, which you can access here.  

The NDIS recommends completing Booklet 2 - Planning. You can choose to do it on your own or get someone to help, then bring it with you to your planning meeting. 

You must also bring along any relevant reports or assessments. It helps the NDIS understand the types of supports you need. 

Depending on your situation and support needs, there are different people to help you along the way. Find out who can help you start your plan

 

4. Attending your planning meeting 

Attending your planning meeting, either in person, or over the phone, is crucial for the NDIS to gather all of your information so that, together, the NDIS can develop the best plan for you. During this meeting, you can go through your goals, activities, and tasks you want to achieve.  

Within your planning meeting, you can also request funding for Support Coordination. The role of a Support Coordinator is to support and assist you to build the skills you need to understand, implement and use your plan. Focus Care has experienced and passionate Support Coordinators who are able to assist you, if Support Coordination funding is approved as part of your NDIS Plan.  

 

5. Receiving an approved NDIS plan

After it is approved, you will receive your plan either in person or in the mail, and through the myplace portal. 

During your planning conversation you can request a copy of your plan printed in a variety of accessible formats such as Braille, electronic text (on CD), large print or audio (on CD), or translated into your preferred language. 

The NDIS has information on how to use your plan and how to access supports here. Alternatively contact NDIS via phone on 1800 800 110.  

 

(National Disability Insurance Scheme, National Disability Insurance Agency, 2020).