The NDIS Explained
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) significantly changes the way people access disability services and support across Australia.
The scheme replaced the former disability services funding program, to provide eligible Australians with a permanent and significant disability, and their families and carers, with individualised support.
The NDIS is available across Australia and is rolling out in Western Australia. Within the next five years, the NDIS aims to provide funding to an estimated 500,000 Australians under 65, who have a permanent and significant disability.
Choice and Control within the NDIS
The NDIS is designed to put you, the participant, at the centre of the decision-making process enabling you to have full choice and control over your supports.
It assists you to self-manage and coordinate, deciding who supports you, when they provide that support and how it’s delivered, so that you can achieve your NDIS goals. You can live your life the way you want to with maximum independence.
The NDIS is an insurance policy that takes a lifetime approach to support funding. It aims to invest in disability supports as early as possible to improve your outcomes later in life.
The scheme is managed and implemented by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
The NDIA are responsible for deciding if you’re eligible for funding under the NDIS, assessing your application for support as well as deciding how much funding you’ll receive.
The agencies decisions are based on the legislation called the NDIS Act 2013, which sets out the NDIS rules and guidelines on what supports, and services are reasonable and necessary for the NDIS to fund.
How does the NDIS work?
The first step in applying for the NDIS is to assess your eligibility on the NDIS website. If you're eligible to apply, the next step is to contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110 and ask to make an Access Request or you can download a form online.
When making your Access Request, you'll be asked a few simple questions about who you are and your eligibility. Following this, you might be asked for information about your disability and how it impacts your day-to-day life.
When you have submitted all the necessary documents and information, the NDIA will assess your application. Once assessed, you'll receive an 'access decision' letter, and if you're found eligible then you'll be contacted to arrange a planning meeting where you can discuss your supports, funding and needs.
Have more questions on the ins and outs of the NDIS? Our NDIS FAQs will answer some common questions, or you can read about everything you need to know to get started.
First2Care provides dedicated and professional Plan Management services alongside our NDIS Plan Management Platform, MyPlan. The platform is designed to help you apply for, coordinate and manage your NDIS plan and plan renewals. When you know if you're eligible for funding, and you're ready to begin pre-planning for your planning meeting, the template within the platform guides you through the process step-by-step.
Take control of your NDIS journey with the help of our First2Care Plan Management team and MyPlan, our NDIS Plan Management Platform to navigate your NDIS journey with confidence and achieve your dreams.
How do I apply?
How does First2Care help me with the NDIS?
