NDIS Basics

What is a NDIS plan?

An NDIS plan outlines your goals and aspirations, and what funding and supports you require to meet this. Everyone has their own unique NDIS plan – it is tailored to you and your preferences, wants, and needs.

Our 5 step guide can assist you in applying for the NDIS. Once you have access to the NDIS, your plan will start being created. You will talk with an NDIA person about your goals and what you need to help you achieve them. This information will then be used to create your first plan, which identifies the supports you need to help you achieve your goals.

Overall, your NDIS plan demonstrates:

• Your goals and aspirations

• The different types of funding (known as “support budgets”) under three different categories: core, capital & capacity building supports

• A list of the services you can receive under this funding

• Choice and control to select where to spend your funding

 

NDIS eligibility

Our NDIS 5 step guide can walk you through the steps of applying for a NDIS plan. There are a few key criteria that must be met:

• 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?

The NDIS website offers additional details on eligibility when applying for NDIS funding.

 

Setting goals under the NDIS

Setting goals occurs when discussing what you want to achieve, develop, or learn through your NDIS plan. There are three types of goals you can set:

• Short term goals

• Medium term goals

• Long term goals

Examples of goals you can set include finding and keeping a job, improving mobility, or doing more social and recreational activities. The goals that you set must be related to your disability. The NDIS ultimately offers funding which allows you to access supports that will allow you to pursue your goals.

 

How to access the NDIS / preparing for NDIS assessment

As indicated in our 5 step guide, filling out an Access Request Form is the first step to accessing NDIS funding. Once this happens, you will need to prepare for your NDIS assessment which will determine your funding.

One of the most important elements of this assessment is providing evidence of your disability. This includes additional information on what the disability is, how long lasting it is and how it impacts quality of life. Providing clear information that is recent, confirms your disability and completed by a health professional are all ways you can do this.

You will receive a letter which will let you know if you are eligible for NDIS funding or not. This is called an “access decision”. If you are deemed eligible for the NDIS, you will be contacted to discuss your support and funding needs in what is called a planning meeting.

 

How to raise a complaint

To raise a complaint with the NDIS directly, there are several ways this can be done. For one, you can fill out an online feedback form to provide feedback to the NDIA. You can also access complaint forms, which can be emailed, posted, or delivered in person to the NDIS.

Once a complaint is made, it is processed according to the NDIS Participant Service Charter. Complaints are acknowledged within one day of being received, and are resolved within 21 days after being received (with the exception of complex complaints and complaints with multiple issues).

 

What is a service provider, and how can I find one?

A Service Provider can assist you in services that relate to your NDIS funding. Your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) can assist you in linking to service providers, and you have the power to choose which provider you prefer.

Having funded Support Coordination can also help with this, as a Support Coordinator can assist you in finding service providers that are capable of providing the necessary supports. The NDIS website provides information on where to find service providers near you. It is organised by state, name, and group.

 

Benefits of using an NDIS registered provider

A NDIS registered service provider means that they have met the specific quality and safeguard requirements for NDIS participants. Using a NDIS registered provider has several benefits for those seeking to use supports in their NDIS plan. An NDIS registered provider means:

• They are certified with the NDIS

• They are a safe option for those new or unfamiliar to the NDIS

• Their registration indicates they have more experience in working with the NDIS

• They have access to supplementary training modules offered by the NDIS Commission