Assisting a family member or friend with an NDIS application? Consider writing a support letter to aid the assessment process.
While the NDIA may not request one, a support letter outlining the applicant's goals and daily support needs can be beneficial. This comprehensive guide will show you how to write a support letter that can significantly strengthen an NDIS application.
What exactly is an NDIS support letter?
An NDIS support letter is a document that provides additional evidence to support a person's NDIS application. While it can be written by a support worker or carer, a strong support letter often comes from a variety of sources, including a friend, family member, or, most importantly, a clinical or allied health professional, such as a psychiatrist or occupational therapist.
The support letter should highlight the everyday challenges and difficulties the applicant faces due to their disability or condition. This includes information about the participant's functional abilities in key areas like mobility, communication, personal care, and any other areas where support is required.
It is also helpful to provide information about the participant's goals and aspirations, as well as any achievements or progress they have made in their journey towards greater independence and self-reliance.
While a support letter is about the applicant, a separate document called a "Carer Impact Statement" is used to highlight the impact of the caring role on you or your family.
When may a support letter be needed?
An NDIS support letter may be needed as part of an applicant's supporting evidence during the NDIS application process. The NDIA may request additional support letters from medical professionals, support workers, or carers. The purpose of a support letter is to provide objective and specific information that helps to build a comprehensive picture of the applicant's needs and circumstances.
Even if the NDIA does not specifically request a support letter, providing one can make the application stronger and improve the chances of a successful outcome.
Your letter should be focused on the applicant's needs, using specific examples and details to illustrate their daily challenges. It should clearly explain how the requested supports will help the person achieve their NDIS goals and how these supports represent value for money.
For the best results, always align the content of your letter with the NDIS's own language and criteria.
What to include in an NDIS support letter
When writing an NDIS support letter, it's important to provide specific and detailed information about the applicant's needs and circumstances. Here are some key points to consider when writing a support letter:
Introduction: Start by introducing yourself and your relationship to the applicant. Include details about how long you have been providing support, and the nature of the support you provide. Confirm that you agree the person requires NDIS funding due to their functional impairments.
Support provided: Outline the level and types of support you provide, including any specialised care or therapies that the applicant requires. Be specific about how often you provide support and how many hours per week you spend providing care.
Informal supports: Mention any other informal supports the applicant has in their life, such as family members, friends, carers, or services. This can help provide a comprehensive picture of the applicant's support network.
Functional impact of disability: This is the most important section. Describe how the applicant's health condition or disability impacts their day-to-day life. Use deficit-based language and provide clear examples. Structure your letter around the six NDIS functional domains:
- Mobility: Describe any difficulties the applicant has with movement, getting around, or accessing different environments.
- Communication: Outline any challenges the applicant faces with communication, such as difficulty speaking or understanding others.
- Social interaction: Describe any challenges the applicant has with social interaction, such as difficulty in group settings or engaging with peers.
- Learning: Detail any difficulties with comprehension, memory, or learning new tasks.
- Self-care: Describe any challenges the applicant has with personal care, such as bathing, dressing, or toileting.
- Self-management: Explain any issues with managing appointments, finances, or daily routines.
Goals: Outline the applicant's goals and aspirations, and how these relate to their support needs. Include any achievements or progress that the applicant has made towards greater independence and self-reliance.
Conclusion: Summarise the key points and explain the potential risks to the participant's well-being and independence if the requested supports are not provided.
What to Avoid When Writing a Support Letter
To ensure your letter is as effective as possible, be sure to avoid including information that is not relevant to the NDIS assessment:
- Other health conditions that are not directly related to the applicant's primary disability.
- Information about trauma history or other details that are not directly relevant to the functional impact of the disability.
- Suggestions for specific supports or funding amounts for a plan. The letter should focus on the impact and need, not on a pre-determined solution.
- Symptom management strategies or general medical advice.
What to include in a carer impact statement
A carer impact statement, also known as a carer statement, is a separate document that outlines the impact of caring for an NDIS applicant on the carer or the applicant's family. Here are some steps to follow when writing a carer impact statement:
- Introduce yourself: Start by introducing yourself and your relationship to the NDIS applicant. Include details about how long you have been providing care, and the nature of the care you provide.
- Describe the impact: Explain the physical, emotional and social impact that caring for the applicant has had on you and the applicant's family.
- Discuss future care needs: Explain whether you can continue to provide care for the applicant in the same way in the future.
- Discuss the need for extra support: Explain what extra support and funding would mean for you and the applicant's family. This can include information about any specific needs or requirements that you have, as well as any areas where additional support could make a significant difference.
Your carer impact statement should be concise and focused on the effects of the caring role, not on making suggestions for supports in the NDIS plan.
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