Before the NDIS was introduced, disability services in Australia had been a lottery. The funding you received depended on how, when, and where you acquired your disability, as well as where you lived. Some people got enough funding, some people got none! Really, it was all just a bit unfair! So, after they held an enquiry, the Federal Government agreed that people with a disability deserved a fairer system. And, more control! And in July 2013, the NDIS was introduced.
FAQ
FAQ
What is the NDIS?
Why was the NDIS introduced?
Before the NDIS was introduced, disability services in Australia had been a lottery. The funding you received depended on how, when, and where you acquired your disability, as well as where you lived. Some people got enough funding, some people got none! Really, it was all just a bit unfair! So, after they held an enquiry, the Federal Government agreed that people with a disability deserved a fairer system. And, more control! And in July 2013, the NDIS was introduced.
Who will be eligible for the NDIS?
Eligibility for the NDIS depends on a few different things such as:
- Location: You need to have been living in an area where the scheme is already rolled out
- Age: You need to be under 65 years at the time of your application
- Residency: You need to be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen who holds a Protected Special Category Visa
- Disability: You must have a permanent disability that significantly affects how you can communicate, move, care for yourself, or manage your life.
- Early Intervention: You might be eligible if early intervention would substantially improve your functioning, or delay or decrease a decline in functioning, for you or your child.
What will the NDIS fund?
With the NDIS, you will work out what reasonable and necessary supports you need to live your life and achieve your goals. You’ll then receive funding to pay for these supports. Reasonable and necessary supports help someone with a disability to: pursue their goals, objectives and aspirations increase their independence increase social and economic participation, and develop their capacity to actively take part in the community. This support may include education, employment, community and social participation, independence, living arrangements, and health and well-being.
Can I start planning before my first meeting with the NDIS?
Yes, you can! In fact, service providers such as Value Care can help you pre-plan. We can support you to understand the NDIS, find out if you’re eligible, identify goals the NDIS may fund, and apply.
How will my funding be managed?
There are 3 different ways you can manage your NDIS plan. You don’t have to choose only one of these options. You can use a combination. For example, you might self-manage some parts of your plan while the NDIA may look after other parts. The three options are:
- Your plan is managed by someone from the NDIA
- Your plan is managed by a Plan Manager
- You manage your NDIS plan