When applying for NDIS funding, it can often seem like a daunting task. So we've outlined the typical NDIS process for you to help you through it.
What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme is a program that provides funding for people with disabilities across Australia to help them with a range of things, changing lives. As a result, the support that they provide helps thousands of Australians to maintain and improve their quality of life every day.
NDIS and What the Typical Process Looks Like
Firstly, you will need to ensure that you are eligible for funding.
That is, if you:
- Are under the age of 65
- Have an impairment or condition that is likely to be permanent and impairs your ability to participate in activities, or complete tasks or actions.
- Live in Australia, are an Australian Citizen, hold a permanent Visa, or a Protected Special Category Visa
You may be eligible for NDIS funding if you meet the above criteria. This can be an incredibly daunting task, especially during a very emotional time. Luckily, we are here to help you through it!
So What Does The Typical NDIS Process Look Like?
Applying
If you meet the criteria for the NDIS, you can then make an access request by giving them a call or asking for a form. Once you have done that, they will then ask you some questions to make sure you meet that criteria. When providing your information, they make it nice and easy and give you the option of emailing it all through!
Creating Your Plan
Once you get approval for access to the NDIS, you will need to create an NDIS plan. You will do this in a meeting soon after your approval, which you will then have to have yearly to keep things updated. During your planning meeting, you will be asked questions to get an idea of what your goals are, and how best to meet them. So, your plan will have two sections:
#1 - How you will achieve this goal
#2 - How you will be supported and who will support you
There are three different kinds of funded supports that you may have access to. Some people may have access to only one or two while others may have access to all three. So, they are:
The Core Supports Budget - Including things like consumables, daily activities, transport and Assistance with Social and Community Participation.
The Capacity Building Budget- This budget is aimed at helping you to build the skills to meet your goals, ranging from behavioural support strategies to exercise advice and employment counseling.
The Capital Support Budget- Lastly, this is the budget that will help you to get assistive technology like mobility scooters or wheelchairs and home modifications.
What Happens Next
Next, if assistive technology is part of your plan, you would then come to us for some trials. Our fantastic team will then help you figure out what product is best for your needs, and once that’s all done, we will send you and your Occupational Therapist a quote.
After that, your Occupational Therapist will submit an application for funding for your new machine. From there, we simply need to wait for your funding to be approved and released to you.
Once that's all done, we can get you all set up with your new machine so that you can get out and about and gain your independence back! Not only that, you will even get ongoing support on your journey afterwards!
We hope we’ve cleared things up for you. Above all, we hope we helped you on the start of your journey. Lastly, if you have any more questions, why not enquire with our wonderful team?
