What is the NDIS? And how does it work?

The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is an Australian government initiative that commenced in 2013 to provide funding and support to an estimated 500,000 Australians. The initiative is intended to assist people with permanent and significant disability to achieve goals in life by providing more information, control and choice over their designated supports.

The NDIS provides all people with disabilities with information and networks to services in their local communities such as doctors, sporting clubs, support groups and education facilities. The NDIS also provides information about what support is available by the government in each state and territory.

NDIS – what does it stand for?

• National – The NDIS is available across all Australian states and territories.
• Disability – The NDIS provides support to eligible people with intellectual, physical, sensory, cognitive and psychosocial disability.
• Insurance – The NDIS gives all Australians peace of mind if they, their child or loved one is born with or acquires a permanent and significant disability, they will get the support they need.
• Scheme – The NDIS is not a welfare system. The NDIS is designed to help people get the support they need so their skills and independence improve over time.

Who is eligible for the NDIS?

NDIS funding eligibility depends on three ‘access criteria’:

• Age requirements – the individual is aged under 65 when the access request is made.
• Residence requirements – the individual is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or special category visa holder who is residing in Australia.
• Disability requirements – the individual satisfies either the permanent and significant disability or early intervention requirements.

Please note: A permanent disability means your disability is likely to be life long. A significant disability has a substantial impact on your ability to complete everyday activities. While, early intervention is providing support to a person, either a child or an adult, as early as possible to reduce the impacts of disability or developmental delay and to build their skills and independence.

How does the NDIS work?

The NDIS works by offering pay support funding for individuals based on their needs. Specific examples of services offering through the NDIS are food delivery services, speech pathology appointments and applications such as wheelchairs.

There are three categories of NDIS ‘support budgets’ that are offered in an individual’s NDIS plan:

• Core supports budget – This budget includes consumables, low-cost equipment (such as a walking stick), assistance with daily activities, social and community transport services.
• Capacity building budget – This budget offers assistance in objective and goal achievements, such as employment, education, living arrangements and relationships.
• Capital support budget – This budget funds assistive technologies and equipment, such as vehicle modifications and handrails within the home.

Direct Care Australia are the experts in reliable and affordable specialist disability support services, offering support for everyone who is eligible for NDIS with all of the unique and essential NDIS support categories. If you need further assistance contact our friendly staff today so we can offer you the assistance you seek.