What’s the NDIS in Australia?

Anyone living in Australia with a permanent and significant disability may be eligible to have some disability services or supports funded by the NDIS. But exactly what is NDIS? Here we take a look at what the NDIS stands for, how it works and who might benefit from it.

What is the National Disability Insurance Scheme?

The NDIS is a government-funded initiative that provides support to all Australian citizens living with significant and permanent disabilities. This national scheme provides ongoing access to early intervention supports, assistive technology, and other beneficial NDIS supports. Implemented in March 2013 alongside the NDIS Act, this scheme is now active nationwide. If you’re living with a disability, you may be wondering how the NDIS can help you.

If accepted onto the NDIS, participants work with a representative from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to create a support plan tailored to their individual needs. When deciding which supports should be included in this NDIS plan, the NDIA representative may also consult with family members and will always keep the personal goals of the participant front of mind.

One of the key benefits of the NDIS is that participants have a high amount of control over where and how their NDIS funds are used. The funded supports approved in the NDIS plan can also evolve with the participant as their needs and goals change throughout their life.

What’s Covered by the NDIS?

Once an individual has satisfied the access requirements and been accepted for NDIS funding, the NDIA will work with them to decide what existing services are best suited for the NDIS plan. Services and supports funded by the NDIS may include:

Specialist disability accommodation or home modifications
Transportation services and vehicle modifications
Home care or personal care services to assist with everyday activities
Support in gaining access to sports clubs or other community participation activities.

Is NDIS Part of Centrelink?

The NDIS is not part of Centrelink. The NDIA is an independent statutory agency, and the NDIS is a government-funded scheme. What this means in practice is that the scheme is funded and governed by all Australian state and territory governments. Each state and territory government is involved in any decision-making related to NDIS policy, funding and governance.

So why is the NDIS called an insurance scheme if you don’t need to pay premiums to participate in it? The NDIS operates exclusively with Australian government funds, and recipients are not required to contribute to the costs. The term “insurance” in NDIS refers to the long-term financial sustainability of the scheme and the goal of ensuring that any Australian citizen will have their needs met if they have or acquire a disability.

Who’s Eligible for NDIS in Australia?

Before requesting services, applicants should understand the eligibility criteria to participate in the NDIS. To be considered eligible for the scheme, participants must satisfy the following access requirements:

Have a significant and permanent disability that limits everyday activities, social participation or the ability to access mainstream services
Be aged 65 years or under at the time of first accessing the scheme
Be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen with a protected special category visa.
Live in an eligible NDIS area.

Is eligibility for the NDIS means-tested?

Eligibility for funding is not means-tested. If you currently receive a disability support pension or carer allowance, these payments will not be impacted if you also receive NDIS support.

Which disabilities are covered under the NDIS?

The term “permanent and significant disability” can encompass many types of diseases, conditions and functional impairments, including but not limited to:

Neurological conditions
Psychosocial disability, including some mental health issues
Visual or hearing impairment
Physical impairments
Intellectual or cognitive impairments.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify for NDIS funding, speak to your doctor or review the potentially eligible disabilities on the NDIS website. The NDIS aims to ensure that all eligible people in Australia have access to quality disability support that meaningfully improves their everyday life. If you’re living with a disability and think you may be eligible, submit an access request form via the NDIS or speak to a representative from the national disability insurance agency.

Our NDIS Therapies

As a registered NDIS provider, we help people create positive life changes, empowering them to improve their wellbeing, independence, and participation. We deliver the following therapy services across Australia:

Our therapists and practitioners work as a team to provide services in the places you spend your time to help you achieve outcomes important to them. Whether you’re a child, teenager, or adult, we’re here to support you through every stage of life.

Get Started with Everyday Independence

Whether you’re new to the NDIS or looking for a trusted therapy provider, Everyday Independence is here to help. Simply complete this form and one of our team members will be in contact shortly, or call us on 1300 179 131

If you’re not yet an NDIS participant, read our blog on eligibility for the NDIS .

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