The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an incredible initiative designed to aid Australians living with disability access support they need to improve their quality of life. However, understanding if you are eligible for NDIS funding, and the requirements can become tricky.
At Nextt we have put together a helpful checklist as a guide to ensure you receive the support you deserve!
Here is what you need to do to access NDIS funding:
- Check if you are eligible for NDIS funding
To obtain access to NDIS funding, you or your loved one must meet the requirements on the NDIS Eligibility Checklist. The criteria questions include:
- Are you aged between 7 and 65?
- Do you live in Australia and have Australian residency?
- Do you usually need support from a person due to 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?
2. Request Access
If you do not currently receive disability supports but wish to join the scheme, you will need to contact the NDIS to complete an Access Request Form. You can contact NDIS on 1800 800 110 to make a verbal access request or download and complete the Access Request Form and email it to the NDIA with supporting information. Please visit ‘What is an Access Request Form?’ to download an access form or visit ‘Applying to access the NDIS’ for more information.
3. Know your entitlements
There are various categories of NDIS funding, all of which cover supports in achieving different outcomes, so it is important that you are provided with the right disability services that suit your individual needs.
4. Provide information about your disability
You should seek support from your healthcare practitioners to fill out the relevant paperwork stating your diagnosis and ongoing needs. Providing good evidence of disability will support the NDIA to make a decision regarding your eligibility for the NDIS. Good evidence should be:
- Recent
- Completed by a treating health professional.
- Confirms your primary disability.
- Confirms the impacts of your disability on different areas of your life.
- Describes previous treatments and outcomes.
- Describes future treatment options and expected outcomes of those treatments.
The health professionals should know which assessments or reports they need to provide. The NDIA provides a list of relevant assessments that professionals can use (and which you may need to get).
If you need help to get your evidence together Local Area Coordinators (LAC) can help you.
5. Contact an NDIS Support Service Provider
One of the most efficient ways to access NDIS funding is by getting in touch with an NDIS approved support provider. At Nextt, we aim to empower our clients to live happy, independent lives. As an NDIS-registered provider, we provide a range of capacity and skill-building programs and individual supports that are tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients.
Get in touch with our dedicated NDIS support coordinator team at Nextt to find out how we can help you and your family access NDIS Funding. Contact us on 1300 369 568.