NDIS

NDIS - What does it mean?

National:

The NDIS is now up and running across all states and territories making it a national scheme.


Disability:

The NDIS provides support to eligible people with physical, intellectual. Cognitive, sensory and psychosocial disabilities. 


Insurance:

The NDIS was created to give Australians peace of mind if they, their child or loved one is born with or acquires a significant or permanent disability, they will get as much support as they need to be as independent as possible.


Scheme:

The NDIS is not a welfare system, it is a is a program that was put in place to assist people with disabilities to access good and services. The NDIS is designed to help people get the support they need so their skills and independence improve over time.


NDIS Eligibility 

To know if you are eligible to receive funding through the NDIS you need to answer a few key questions. Then it’s all about planning and completing the application process.


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NDIS ELIGIBILITY

Do I qualify for the NDIS?

Your NDIS eligibility is most likely if you answer YES to 3 of these questions:

  1. Are you aged between 7 and 65? (If you have children under the age of 7, the Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) supports children aged 0-6 years who have a developmental delay or disability, and their families/carers.)
  2. Do you live in Australia and have Australian residency?
  3. Do you usually need support from a person because of a permanent and significant disability? (You may be eligible)

      OR

  4. Do you use special equipment because of a permanent and significant disability? (You may be eligible)

  • You must meet the disability requirements addressed by the NDIS.

      OR

  5. Do you need some supports now to reduce your future needs? (You may be eligible)

Applying for the

NDIS is a relatively simple process.

You can call the NDIS directly on 1800 800 110 to make an Access Request or you can ask the NDIS for a form. 


The first step is to work through the NDIS workbook. The planning workbook is created by the NDIS for people who are suitable to access the NDIS. It has been designed to assist you through the process of putting together your individual plan. It will help you identify your own needs, goals and current supports, there are several questions for you to think about and note in the workbook.


The NDIS workbook will also help you complete your Participant Statement. Your Participant Statement is a form that assists the NDIS in understanding your personal situation and what your goals are. It gives them the information they need to help provide you with the most appropriate NDIS plan. 


Once you’ve been through the workbook, the next step is to organize a meeting with a NDIS planner. The first meeting will be where you complete the groundwork for your plan – you will have the opportunity to discuss your current circumstances, what your goals are, and how you may achieve them. The planner will work with you to develop your plan including supports, timelines, and funding.


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Using your plan

It's up to you to decide how you want to manage your plan, this should be discussed with the NDIS during your meeting with them. You can choose to have the NDIA manage your funds, you can manage everything yourself, or you can get help from plan manager. A plan manager can assist with things like budgeting and paying providers and can make things a bit easier for you if you're not sure where to start. If you need help selecting a plan manager, we can assist you with that. A lot of people opt to be self- or plan-managed, as this provides the most flexibility in terms of choice and control over providers.


Ultimately, though, it's up to you to decide who you want to help manage the funds in your NDIS plan. The NDIS Workbook 3 can assist you in making this decision.


The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is an independent statutory agency that is responsible for implementing the NDIS.

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How will my funding be managed?

There are 3 different ways you can manage your NDIS plan.


You don’t have to choose only one of these options. You can use a combination.

For example, you might self-manage some parts of your plan while the NDIA may look after other parts.


The three options are:

  1. Your plan is managed by someone from the NDIA
  2. Your plan is managed by a Plan Manager
  3. Your plan is managed by yourself or your nominee (usually a parent or family member)
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Can I change my NDIS provider if I am not happy?

Yes, you can!

If you are not completely happy with a disability service provider, you have the option to change providers to ensure you are getting the support you need.


Reviewing your plan & goals

Your NDIS plan is not a one-off, this is reviewed on a regular basis as agreed between yourself and the NDIA.


You will notice on your plan that it shows the dates of when the plan starts and finishes. If you have any questions about amending your plan because circumstances have changed the NDIA is available to discuss your needs. Remember – the NDIS is about a lifelong commitment to meeting your requirements now and in the future, the Morhaven Social team is always available to discuss any thoughts you have or answer any questions to ensure you are having your needs met.


The NDIS is an individualised approach to supporting people with a disability, which means that each person's NDIS plan is unique to them. This also means that plans can be reviewed and updated as needed, in order to make sure that people are getting the support they need as their circumstances change. If you have any questions about your NDIS plan or how it can be amended, please get in touch with us – we're here to help!

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