Understanding the NDIS

Am I eligible for the NDIS?

Are you interested in determining your eligibility for NDIS assistance? Explore the eligibility checklist below to assess your potential qualification. This serves as a guide, the final determination lies with the NDIA.

Age and Residency:

Are you under 65 years old, an Australian citizen, and residing in Australia? This initial step ensures that you meet the fundamental criteria for NDIS participation. If you're over 65 and seeking disability services for the first time, My Aged Care may be a more suitable avenue.

Permanent Disability:

Do you have a permanent impairment resulting in disability? Whether it's physical, intellectual, cognitive, neurological, visual, hearing, or psychosocial, your disability must be permanent and significant. Diagnosis by a qualified medical professional or specialist is essential to meet the NDIS disability criteria. Temporary impairments or mental health conditions may not align with NDIS eligibility requirements.

Assessment of Functional Capacity:

Does your impairment substantially affect your ability to perform everyday activities? The NDIS evaluates how your disability impacts various life areas, including mobility, learning, communication, self-care, social interaction, and self-management. Additionally, consider whether the loss or reduction in function restricts your participation in work, study, or community engagement, as the disability must have a clear impact on social or economic participation.



Need for Ongoing Support:

Do you anticipate requiring continuous support from the NDIS? The NDIS operates on a lifelong approach, necessitating individuals to demonstrate a permanent impairment expected to require ongoing support from the scheme for their disability requirements.

Alignment with NDIS Remit:

Do your disability requirements fall within the scope of the NDIS? While the NDIS funds support related to an individual's disability needs and activities of daily living, it does not cover expenses such as groceries, utilities, rent, or support provided by other government organisations like Medicare. However, certain supports, such as mental health support, may be covered by the NDIS if they relate to your disability.



Evidence and Documentation:

To support your NDIS application, gather relevant evidence and documentation, including medical reports, assessments, and supporting documents illustrating the impact of your disability, medical treatment, and ongoing support needs. Comprehensive and up-to-date documentation is essential to strengthen your case for NDIS eligibility.

What is the NDIS application process?

If you think you might be eligible for the NDIS, there are several avenues to apply: reach out to your local NDIS Office or partner, contact the NDIS directly at 1800 800 110 for guidance, or, if no partner is available in your vicinity, contact the National Contact Centre for assistance in initiating your NDIS application

You can also apply through their Access Request process. This involves expressing your interest in receiving NDIS support and confirming that you meet the eligibility criteria.

Before completing the Access Request form, it's essential to note that you'll require input from a treating professional, such as a doctor or specialist. Additionally, supporting documentation may be necessary to accompany your application.

Once submitted, the NDIS will review your application and inform you of the outcome.

The below link contains relevant information about accessing NDIS, along with the NDIS Access Request Form which can be downlaoded and printed.

https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis

Source: ndis.gov.au website and 'About the NDIS' downloadable PDF resource.