The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian government initiative designed to provide support and assistance to individuals with disabilities. It aims to empower people with disabilities by offering them greater choice and control over the services and supports they receive.

The NDIS operates on the principle of individualised funding, meaning that funding is allocated based on the unique needs and goals of each participant. 

To access the NDIS, individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria. This includes being under the age of 65, being an Australian citizen or permanent resident, and having a permanent disability that significantly impacts their ability to participate in everyday activities.

Determining eligibility for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding involves meeting certain criteria. Here is some information to help you understand the eligibility requirements and the application process:

Eligibility Criteria:

• Age: You must be under the age of 65 at the time of applying.
• Residency: You need to be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
• Disability: You must have a permanent disability that significantly affects your ability to participate in everyday activities.

Applying for NDIS Funding: To apply for NDIS funding, you need to follow these steps:

• Contact the NDIS: Get in touch with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) by phone, email, or by visiting their website.
• Get in touch with us and we can support you with your application.

Once your access request is approved:

• The next step is to meet with a local NDIA coordinator, commonly known as a Local Area Coordinator (LAC), Early Childhood, Early Intervention services (ECEI) Coordinator or NDIA planner for your NDIS Planning Meeting. You can search for the closest LAC to you by entering your postcode in the NDIS Partner Locator.
• The NDIS Planning Meeting is an important part of creating your NDIS Plan. Your NDIS Plan is personalised for you, created with your input with the help of your support person and LAC, and details all of your goals, how you plan to achieve them, and how your NDIS funding can be allocated.
• Your NDIS Planning Meeting can be conducted either in person or over the phone – whichever option suits you best.
• It is important to be prepared for your planning meeting. You can do this by gathering the information the NDIS requires about you to create your plan and considering your goals. The NDIS have a helpful NDIS Planning Meeting checklist about what you should prepare in advance of your meeting.

At your NDIS Planning Meeting:

• You will likely be asked similar questions to those you answered to confirm your eligibility and during your Access Request.
• In addition to these questions, you will be asked about what supports you are currently receiving, either from service providers, the local community or your friends and family.
• The most important part of your planning meeting is setting your goals. Establishing your short-term and long-term goals will help identify what supports you require to achieve these goals and enjoy a fulfilling life.
• At your planning meeting you will also be asked how you want to manage your plan funding. There are three options: self-managed, plan-managed, and NDIA-managed funding. More information on all three options, including a short video explaining them, can be found on the NDIS website via this link .
• During your planning meeting you can request a copy of your plan printed in a variety of accessible formats such as Braille, electronic text (on CD), large print or audio (on CD), or translated into your preferred language.
• Your ECEI Coordinator, LAC or NDIA planner will let you know the next steps and how long it will take to receive your approved plan.