New to the NDIS and not sure where to start? In this complete NDIS explained guide, we’ll walk you through Australia’s disability support system by discovering what it is, how it works and how you can get the support that’s right for you.
NDIS explained simply: What it is and who it is for?
What is NDIS: NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is a program run by the Australian government. The NDIS program supports people who are living with a permanent and significant disability, helping them live more independently, reach their goals and take part in everyday life.
Who is eligible for NDIS? – If you’re under 65 and have a disability that makes daily activities harder, you might be eligible. To join this program, you’ll need to show that you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident and provide information about how your disability affects your life.
What makes the NDIS different is the funding goes directly to the person with the disability, not to a provider or organisation. That means you (and your family or carer) get to choose the services you want, when you want them and who provides them.
The NDIS can help pay for things like:
- Everyday support at home or in the community
- Therapies and equipment
- Skill-building
- Help with finding and keeping a job
Overall, NDIS gives people more choice, control and freedom, making sure people with disabilities get to live well and be part of the community like everyone else.
How can you access the NDIS?
Getting started with the NDIS is not so difficult. Here are three basic steps:
Check if you’re eligible and apply
First, you need to see if you meet the criteria:
- You’re under 65
- You have a permanent and significant disability
- You’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident
If yes, you can fill out a form called the NDIS Access Request Form. You’ll need to provide some details about yourself and include medical documents that show how your disability affects your daily life.
Make a plan
If your application is approved, you’ll meet with an NDIS planner. They’ll talk with you (and your family or support person if needed) to help create a support plan.
This plan includes what support you need, what your goals are and how the NDIS can help you get there.
Start using your plan
Once your plan is ready and funding is approved, you can choose the services or equipment you need. One important thing is you get to pick your providers, your support team and what works best for you.
What does NDIS funding cover?
NDIS funding is split into three types of support. These aren’t levels, they often mix and match depending on what you need.
- Core supports: Help with daily tasks like showering, cooking, shopping, transport or joining community activities.
- Capital supports: Covers bigger things like wheelchairs, home or car modifications, or other assistive devices.
- Capacity Building Supports: Helps you build skills and independence like therapy, job support, learning new life skills or joining social activities.
No two NDIS plans are the same because everyone’s needs and goals are different.
Who provides NDIS services?
There are thousands of NDIS providers all across Australia. Some are just one person, some are small local businesses, and others are big organisations. Some providers focus on one type of support, while others offer a wide range.
But here’s something important to know – not all providers are the same.
- Some are registered with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission. This means they’ve met higher standards when it comes to things like staff training, safety and reporting.
- Others are unregistered. That doesn’t mean they’re not good, it just means they haven’t gone through the official NDIS registration process. Depending on how your plan is managed, you might be able to use both registered and unregistered providers.
When choosing a provider, it’s worth thinking about:
- The quality of their service
- Their experience
- How safe and trustworthy they feel
- And most of all, whether you feel comfortable and respected when working with them
Lotus is proud to be an NDIS-registered provider, which means we can support more complex NDIS participants and are held to the highest standards of care and safety.
Besides this NDIS explained guide, Lotus hope to be your trusted NDIS provider Gold Coast to listen, support and walk alongside you every step of the way. Contact us to get the full support for your needs!
