Struggling With a Disability? Here’s How to Apply for the NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme is a government-funded program to support Australians with permanent or significant disabilities. The NDIS legislation was passed in 2013 and has since been gradually rolled out in different regions.

The aim is to help Australians living with physical, psychosocial, intellectual, cognitive, or sensory disabilities reach their goals. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has outlined eligibility requirements that you have to meet to qualify for NDIS support. After determining your eligibility, you have to apply to be considered for the program. Over time, they can become more independent through using trusted home disability care that affirm their abilities and work towards greater independence.

Are You Eligible for the NDIS?

The NDIS has clearly outlined the eligibility requirements on their website, so you can always check that if in doubt. People who are eligible for NDIS are those:

• Between the ages of 7-65
• Who are citizens or residents of Australia
• Who require support from others due to a significant or permanent disability
• Needing special equipment due to a permanent or significant disability
• Who need support to reduce their future needs

How to Apply for the NDIS

Knowing how to apply for the NDIS properly is vital so that you don’t miss out on a chance to receive support for yourself, your kid, or a loved one in need. Fortunately, the NDIS application is straightforward and can be completed in several convenient ways.

Here are the different ways to apply for the NDIS:

Fill out the Access Request Form (ARF) on the NDIS Website

The agency uses the information provided on an ARF to determine whether the applicant is eligible for NDIS support and funding. Information you’ll be required to give on this form include:

• Age of the applicant, with evidence (e.g., a birth certificate).
• Citizenship or residency status, with accompanying documents as proof.
• Details about you or your kid’s disability, with supporting documents.

Apply Through a Phone Call to the NDIA on 1800 800 110

If you cannot fill the online form, you can call the National Disability Insurance Agency to apply through a phone call. While on the call, you’ll give the same information you’d have filled in on the online form. The agency may need you to email them documents of proof.

Get the Form in Your Mail

Another option is to call the NDIA and have them mail you the printed form.

After filling your form, the next step is submitting. You can submit through email, post mail, or drop your filled form and necessary documents at your nearest NDIA office.

The agency will access your application, and if approved, they’ll call to let you know. Once the agency approves you for NDIS, you’ll be allocated a planner who’ll meet up or get on a call with you to discuss your needs and goals.

This meeting aims to determine what kind of support you need from the NDIS to help with everyday life. After the session, you’ll create a plan that you’ll submit to the agency for approval.

If the plan is approved, you’ll begin receiving tailored support for the next 12 to 24 months, after which you’ll need to update the plan. To help manage your NDIS funding, it’s a great idea to work with an NDIS plan manager.

The type of support you receive through the NDIS depends on your disability, lifestyle, and unique challenges. But, here’s a quick view of some of the areas the program provides support and funding for:

• Workplace assistance to help participants gain and keep jobs
• Home healthcare expenses
• Home modification construction
• Daily personal activities

Bottomline

Receiving funding or assistance through the National Disability Insurance Scheme can tremendously improve your life or that of your child. This program exists to make it easier for disabled people to complete their daily activities and pursue long-term goals while participating more in the community. We urge you to seek a competent plan manager to help you manage your NDIS plan so you can benefit fully.

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