We all heard about the NDIS, a great system that is aimed at providing funding to eligible people with disability to gain more time with family and friends and greater independence. With the different NDIS supports available you can also access new skills, jobs, or volunteering in the community.
Maybe you are already a participant or perhaps brand new to the system. If that’s the case, you might wonder how the NDIS process works.
So, are you ready to find out what’s waiting for you? How to get the NDIS funding hassle-free and reach your life goals?
As a quick fact, there are over 4 million Australians who have a disability. In the following years, NDIS will be providing funding for half a million citizens. So, you are not the only one, trying to understand the whole process. Without further ado let’s find out how the NDIS works step by step.
The NDIS Process Explained
The NDIS process can be divided into three simple steps starting with eligibility. Once participants know they are eligible, they can officially submit their application over the phone or personally. Finally, when the application is approved, it’s time to create a plan to help you reach your goals. Now let’s go into detail with each step.
1- Eligibility
The first requirement is the age requirement. To apply for NDIS support, participants must be 7-65. If you have a child under seven or over 65, you can apply for different types of support.
The second condition is that participants must be Australian citizens, permanent visa holders, or protected special category visa holders. Also, to access NDIS, you must live in Australia. If you are an Australian citizen who lives abroad, you won’t be eligible for NDIS funding.
The next major eligibility requirement is about your disability. To become a NDIS participant, your disability must be caused by a permanent impairment. According to NDIS sources, an impairment is defined as a loss or significant change in your body’s functions, structure and how you think and learn.
Last but not least, there are so-called early intervention requirements. Early intervention can be for both children and adults. It is in cases when you want to get support to reduce your future need for support. The same principle applies if you want to get supports now for your family to build their skills to help you.
Our support coordinators will help you along the way, guiding you through the NDIS process. We’ll work with you to identify your goals and select the best services to meet your needs. If you need more info on NDIS eligibility, you can check out the NDIS eligibility checklist below:
2- Application
The second step in the NDIS process is the application itself. We just went through the NDIS eligibility criteria and if you think that you meet the requirements, it’s time for you to make an application. We are always here to help with your application, but you might want to know the other ways to do so too:
The first and most direct way is to call the NDIS via 1800 800 110 and make an application. The second method includes filling up an access request form and returning it to NDIS. NDIS participants can download the access request form online or they can acquire it from the local area coordinators.
In both of the application methods, you will be asked to confirm your identity. If someone is applying on your behalf of you, they will have to provide your written consent. At Devote Care, we will help you take care of all that.
With your application, you must also prove your age, your citizenship or your residence permit status. Also, you are permanently living in Australia, and you have a disability. Once you provided everything and placed your application, you will get a response within 21 days from the NDIS.
If your application gets rejected, our team at Devote Care will review the application and we can submit the application again, free of charge.
3- Creating a Plan
Once you are admitted to NDIS, the NDIS process continues with the planning meeting where you will be asked about how you are doing in the different parts of your life. According to your answers, your tailor-made plan will be prepared. Planning meetings often include an interview with a family member as well to figure out how they are doing.
Here are some other common questions you will be asked in your planning meeting; personal details, how you manage daily activities, your goals and safety, and ways to manage your plans. A lot of the planning meetings take place on the phone and these phone calls might take around an hour.
So, it’s best to be prepared, such as having your phone charged, and being in a place with good phone reception. It’s also a good idea to read the Creating Your NDIS Plan booklet which you can download here. At the end of your planning meeting, your plan will be reviewed, and you can start using your funds.
As Devote Care, we are enabling dignified lives through personalised service. It’s no understatement to say that every member of the Devote Care family sees what we do as a job; it’s a calling and a privilege. Achieve your NDIS goals with us. We are at our service on 1300 300 999, or get a free consultation here!
