Around 4.3 million Australian who have a disability
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
Applying for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) involves several steps to determine eligibility and receive support.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying:
01. Check Your Eligibility
To be eligible for the NDIS, you must meet the following criteria:
- Age Requirement - You must be under 65 years old when applying.
- Residency Requirement
You must be:
- An Australian citizen, OR
- A permanent resident, OR
- A holder of a Protected Special Category Visa.
- Disability Requirement
You must have a permanent and significant disability that:
- Affects your ability to take part in daily activities
- Requires support from the NDIS.
- Requires assistive equipment or technology.
- Early Intervention Requirement (if applicable)
If early support can reduce future disability impacts, you may be eligible (e.g., children with developmental delays).
- You can check your eligibility using the NDIS Eligibility Checklist on NDIS website.
02. Gather Supporting Documents
To apply, you’ll need:
- Proof of Identity - (e.g., Medicare card, passport, birth certificate).
- Medical Reports - from doctors, therapists, or specialists detailing your disability
- Evidence of Functional Impact - (e.g., how your disability affects daily life).
- Your doctor or allied health professional may need to complete the NDIS Supporting Evidence Form
03. Submit an Access Request
You can apply in three ways:
- Phone: - Call 1800 800 110 and request an Access Request Form.
- Online: - Submit a request via the MyGov NDIS portal (if available in your state).
- In Person -Visit a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or an NDIS office near you.
04. Wait for Assessment and Approval
- The NDIS will assess your application based on your disability, support needs, and documents.
- You may be contacted for more information or an in-person assessment.
- This process can take up to 21 business days, but complex cases may take longer.
05. Create Your NDIS Plan
- Once approved, you will:
- Meet with an NDIS Planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC).
- Discuss your goals, support needs, and funding allocation
- Receive an NDIS Plan, which outlines your funded supports.
06. Use Your NDIS Funding
- Choose how to manage your funding: self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed.
- Discuss your goals, support needs, and funding allocation.
- You can review and adjust your plan every 12 months if your needs change.
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