The National Disability Insurance Scheme is also called the NDIS. The NDIS is Australia’s first national Scheme for people with disability.

The NDIS provides funding directly to eligible people with disability to gain more time with family and friends, greater independence, access to new skills, jobs, or volunteering in their community, and an improved quality of life. 

The NDIS also connects anyone with disability to services in their community. As a registered NDIS provider, Macarthur Disability Services can help you access disability services that meet your needs and that are right for you.  This includes connections to doctors, community and support groups, allied health professionals, activities and services and any supports that will improve your quality of life and independence.

The NDIS now supports over 500,000 Australians with disability to access the services and supports they need. This includes supporting approximately 80,000 children with developmental delay, ensuring they receive supports early so that they achieve the best outcomes throughout their lives.

For more information you can view the NDIS Participant Service Charter

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WHAT IS THE NDIS RESPONSIBLE FOR?

The NDIS is all about choice and control. The NDIS provides funding to eligible people based on their individual needs.

Every NDIS participant has an individual plan that lists their goals and the funding they have received. NDIS participants use their funding to purchase supports and services that will help them pursue their goals and help gain greater independence.

Everyone has different goals, but they could include things like getting and keeping a job, making friends or participating in a local community activity. NDIS participants control the support they receive, when they receive it, and who provides it.

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WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE NDIS?

The NDIS supports over 500,000 Australians with disability. To be eligible for NDIS funding, you must meet the NDIS eligibility criteria:

  1. Be between the ages of 9 and 65 years old.
    If you have a child aged und 9 years. Find out more about Help for children under 9.
    If you are over 65 years, you may be able to access other supports.
  2. An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder.
  3. Living in Australia.
  4. A person with a disability caused by a permanent impairment. The impairment may be intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical, or psychosocial.
  5. Require disability-specific support services to complete day-to-day activities.
  6. Require some supports now to reduce future need for support.
  7. Require some supports now for families to build on their skills to support Participant better.

Although Macarthur Disability Services is a NDIS provider, if you do not meet these requirements MDS can help you access alternative support and funding as you me be eligible and qualify for other services. MDS has a NDIS Navigator and Plan Support Officer that can help. Start a conversation and enquire today.

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HOW DO I APPLY FOR NDIS FUNDING?

Application Process

If you think you or a family member are eligible and want to apply for NDIS funding, you can:

  • Make a verbal application by calling the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or complete an Access Request Form to begin your application. When applying you must also send the NDIS evidence to prove:
  • your age
  • you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident
  • you live in Australia permanently
  • your disability.

You can visit the following pages for information about evidence of your disability:

Do not send the NDIS USB devices or CD Roms containing your evidence: the NDIS will not be able to use this information.

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What’s next?

The NDIS will check your application and evidence to make sure you have provided everything and will let you know if something is missing.

Once you have provided everything, the NDIS will decide if you are eligible or ask for more information within 21 days.

If you are eligible for the NDIS, you’ll also need to give them proof of your identity.

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Creating a NDIS Plan

If eligible you will receive a ‘access decision’ letter, the next step is creating your NDIS plan. You will be invited to a planning meeting to help develop your NDIS plan. Your NDIS plan is a written agreement worked out with you. Everyone’s plan is different, and your plan will show what kind of help and support you need and the funding you will receive. This plan is used to access service providers, like Macarthur Disability Services, who will provide you with the supports to meet your goals and live more independently.

Should your circumstances change, you can have your plan reviewed. Your plan reassessment is the opportunity to check your supports are working for you and they are helping you pursue your goals.

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GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR NDIS PLAN

Understanding your NDIS plan will help you manage it well and make the most of your funding. The funding you receive will depend on your disability, needs and goals.  

At Macarthur Disability Services, our Navigator and Plan Support Officer and Support Coordination team can help you to navigate the NDIS and get the best out of your plan.

To find our more about how MDS can help you or your family member, start a conversation with us today on (02) 4621 8400 or email information@mdservices.com.au

Visit the NDIS website