What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a new way for people with a disability under the age of 65 to get the care and supports they need. It is for people with a permanent and significant disability which impacts on their ability to take part in everyday activities. Supports can be across many areas including employment, early intervention, accommodation, independence, being involved in the community, and more. The NDIS is being progressively rolled out across Australia under the management of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and was introduced to the Sunshine Coast and Caboolture regions from January 1st, 2019. 

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What is the NDIA?

The NDIA is the National Disability Insurance Agency. It is a government agency and its role is to implement and manage the NDIS and ensure people with disability continue to get the support they need.

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Why was the NDIS introduced?

Before the NDIS was introduced, disability services in Australia were managed very differently by each State Government. People with disability were receiving different levels of support depending on how, when and where their disability was acquired and where they have lived. An enquiry was held by the Federal Government and it was agreed that people with disability deserved a fairer system and more control over the services they receive.

 

When was the NDIS introduced?

The NDIS was introduced in July 2013 and will be completely rolled out by 2020. 

Who is eligible for the NDIS? To be eligible for the NDIS, people with disability need to meet some basic criteria relating to age, Australian Residency status and the nature of the disability. Find out if you meet the access requirements on the NDIS website. 

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What are the steps in the NDIS process?

The NDIS have created a very handy step-by-step guide. Check it out on their website.

 

What is an NDIS Plan?

Your NDIS plan is a document all about you and your life goals. It’s based on the details you provide in your initial planning meeting with your NDIS Local Area Coordinator (LAC). Your plan contains a breakdown of the different supports required to help you achieve your goals, along with how much NDIS funding has been allocated to each category.

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What is the process to get an NDIS plan?

Once you know that you or the person in your care can access the NDIS, you will be contacted by a NDIA Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to have an NDIS planning meeting. This will either be over the phone or in person. They will talk with you about:

• Your goals or goals for the person in your care

• Supports you or they may have now

• Things you need because of your or their disability to reach identified goals

After the planning meeting, the NDIA will put the plan together and send it to you.

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What is covered by the NDIS?

The NDIS covers the cost of supports across a wide range of areas, from education, employment and community participation through to living arrangements, independence, health and wellbeing. What’s covered in your NDIS plan will really depend on your individual situation and life goals. The NDIS uses the ‘reasonable and necessary’ framework to determine what support you can be funded for. 

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How do I find service providers once my plan is written?

You can find service providers in your local area by contacting your local NDIS office, calling the NDIS helpline on 1800 800 110 or checking the list of registered service providers in your area on the NDIS website. 

 

What's the difference between unregistered and registered providers?

The NDIS asks service providers to register with the NDIS. However, not all providers choose to register.  The main difference between unregistered and registered providers is that only registered providers can claim their invoices with the NDIS directly.  Using a Plan Manager allows you to access an unregistered provider.  

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What is Support Coordination?

Support coordination is a support designed to assist participants to understand and implement the funded supports in their plan, as well as build links to broader systems of support including other government services. AABDS have great Support Coordinators who can assist you with this service. 

 

What are the benefits of Support Coordination?

Coordinating your supports can be complicated, time-consuming and sometimes stressful, especially useful if the participant engages a lot of different service providers. AABDS's Support Coordinators make this process easier by helping choose service providers, regularly review supports and action plans. They also sort out any problems or issues that may arise on the participant's behalf. 

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Can I make changes to my NDIS plan?

If you want to later change something in your NDIS plan, you can always ask for a review of your plan with your LAC.  

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Can I change my NDIS service provider if I'm not happy?

If you are not happy with the disability service provider you are using, you can change at any time to make sure you are getting the support you need.

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