National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
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
- Medicare card.
- Passport.
- Birth Certificate.
- Medical Reports
- Doctors.
- Therapists.
- Specialists detailing your disability.
- Evidence of Functional Impact
- How your disability affects your daily life.
- Your doctor or allied health professional may need to complete the NDIS Supporting Evidence Form
03. Returning your Access Request Form:
You can apply in three ways:
- Email: NAT@ndis.gov.au
- Mail: GPO Box 700, Canberra, ACT 2601.
- In Person: Visit your local NDIA office.
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 to schedule 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:
- Meet with an NDIS Planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC).
- Discuss your goals, support needs and funding allocation.
- Receive an NDIS Plan that 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.