Whether you're an individual with disability, a support worker or a family member, navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can feel overwhelming. In this article, we’ll delve into the ins and outs of the NDIS.
We’ll discuss its purpose, eligibility criteria, the application process, and the role of NDIS providers. We’ll also shed light on the average NDIS package, with the aim of providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the NDIS.
Whether you’re looking for NDIS disability support services or a little more clarity on the way the system works, Like Family is here to help.
What does NDIS stand for?
The NDIS stands for the National Disability Insurance Scheme. It is an Australia-wide government initiative designed to offer support to people with permanent disability. The main aim of the NDIS is to provide funding to those in need, allowing them to access necessary supports and services.
The NDIS in Australia: A national approach to disability support
The NDIS Australia-wide program began rolling out in 2013 and has since transformed how disability support is funded and delivered across the nation.
It represents a significant shift from a welfare-based system to an insurance-based model, focusing on the individual needs and aspirations of participants.
How does the NDIS work?
The core principle of the NDIS is to provide "reasonable and necessary" supports that help a person with disability achieve their goals. These goals can range from gaining greater independence in daily tasks to participating in education, employment, or community activities.
When you become an NDIS participant, you receive a plan tailored to your individual needs, which outlines your goals and the funding allocated to achieve them.
This funding can be used to access a wide range of supports and services from approved providers, giving you greater choice and control over your life.
Key aspects of the NDIS scheme:
- Individualised plans: Each participant receives a plan tailored to their unique needs and goals.
- Choice and control: Participants have the power to choose their own service providers and decide how their funding is spent.
- Lifelong approach: The NDIS aims to provide support for life, adapting as a participant's needs change over time.
- Community inclusion: A primary objective of the NDIS is to foster greater social and economic participation for people with disability.
Who is eligible for NDIS funding?
To be eligible for the NDIS, you generally need to meet certain criteria, including:
- Age: Be under 65 years old when you first apply. If you're already an NDIS participant and turn 65, you can usually choose to remain with the NDIS or transition to aged care services.
- Residency: Be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or a Protected Special Category Visa holder.
- Disability: Have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to participate in everyday activities.
The best way to understand your eligibility is to speak with a Local Area Coordinator (LAC), but within the context of the NDIS, disability includes a broad range of conditions affecting various aspects of an individual's functioning. Examples of disabilities or impairments covered by the NDIS are:
- Autism
- Cognitive impairments, which might impact memory, problem-solving abilities, and attention.
- Hearing impairments, leading to partial or total loss of hearing.
- Intellectual impairments that affect a person's cognitive abilities and adaptive functioning.
- Neurological conditions impacting the nervous system.
- Physical impairments, which can affect mobility or motor functions.
- Psychosocial disabilities, which are related to mental health conditions.
- And visual impairments, affecting an individual's sight.
How can I apply for NDIS funding?
Applying for the NDIS involves several steps.
- Initially, you need to confirm your eligibility.
- Once confirmed, you can make a request for access to the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency), and supply supporting evidence of your disability and its impact.
- If your access request is approved, then you'll have a planning meeting to create your individualised NDIS plan, which outlines your goals and the support you need.
- After the plan is approved, you can begin accessing services and supports using NDIS funding.
How much funding does the NDIS provide?
The amount of funding provided by the NDIS varies, as it depends on the individual's needs and goals. It covers "reasonable and necessary" supports that help the participant to achieve their goals, engage in community and social activities, and enhance their capacity to participate actively in everyday life.
NDIS plan management options
Once you have an NDIS plan, you also have options for how your funding is managed:
- Agency-managed: The NDIA pays your providers directly on your behalf. This is the simplest option if you prefer not to handle finances.
- Self-managed: You receive the funding directly and are responsible for paying your providers and keeping records. This offers the most flexibility and control.
- Plan-managed: You engage a Plan Manager, who handles the financial administration for you, including paying providers and managing your budget. This offers a balance between control and convenience, allowing you to use both NDIS registered and unregistered providers.
There are pros and cons to each plan management option, so make sure you weigh up the differences to find the best solution for your needs.
So, what is the average NDIS package?
Again, NDIS packages are tailored to individual needs, making it difficult to identify an 'average' package. However, each package must encompass supports that are deemed "reasonable and necessary" for the individual.
This means the supports should be related to the person's disability, represent value for money, and align with the person's goals and aspirations.
What are NDIS providers and how can I find one?
NDIS providers are organisations or individuals that deliver a product or service as part of a participant's NDIS plan.
They can offer a range of supports, including personal care assistance, access to community services and activities, and therapeutic support.
To find a provider, you can use the 'Provider Finder' tool on the NDIS website or seek advice from local NDIS participants and community networks.
How Like Family Can Help
If you've recently joined the NDIS and are looking for social and community supports, Like Family can help!
We're a proud NDIS registered provider connecting people with disability with compassionate support workers in the local community. Our support workers can help you with everything from cooking delicious meals to attending accessible music concerts.
Sign up today and we'll match you with the right support worker for your needs.