NDIS: Eligibility and Application
The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is a scheme introduced through the National Disability Insurance Agency to provide funding to people with disabilities caused by a permanent impairment. Introduced in 2013, by the Gillard Labour Government, the scheme is designed to cover various living costs- ranging from accommodation expenses to carer payments. The NDIS connects individuals, faced with a disability, to services within their community, including doctors, community groups, support groups, sports clubs, schools, and libraries. At present, the NDIS supports more than 500,000 Australians with disability to access the services and support they need.
How Do You Qualify for The NDIS?
The NDIS is available to any Australian citizen, aged between 7 and 65, with a permanent visa or a protected special category visa and a disability caused by permanent impairment. A local area coordinator can help you understand the NDIS, apply, and connect with other government and community supports. If you have a child under 7 years of age, although they do not qualify for the NDIS, an early childhood partner can provide support up until they are eligible to apply for the NDIS. Australians who are 18 years or older and are receiving income support, or DSP (Disability Support Pension), or Youth Allowance, are still eligible for the NDIS.
What Services Does the NDIS Provide?
The scheme offers a range of support services that help people with disabilities live their lives to their full potential. From home and community care, health, and education support, to assistance in employment and transport, the NDIS covers it all.
Based on an individual participant’s budget and goals, NDIS support services can be classified under three broad categories, including:
Core- These services look after the routine, everyday activities of the individual
Capital- This includes capital investments in technologies or infrastructural upgrades that assist individuals.
Capacity Building Services – catering to skill development to enable a more independent and fulfilling life.
Read on to find out more about the three categories of services offered by the NDIS.
The Three Main Components of the NDIS
Health Care
Disability-related health support assists people manage the health conditions impacting their day-to-day life. Support is planned and provided with the financial sustainability of the plan as well as the specific needs of every individual in consideration. An NDIS plan provides services that are necessary and reasonable.
Support related to Dysphagia, nutrition, diabetes management, wound and pressure care, epilepsy, continence, and respiratory support are some of the categories under which support is extended, particularly if these conditions are directly related to the disability itself. If a particular community service is required by a beneficiary, for instance a doctor’s visit, then the NDIS will ensure the service is delivered in the best possible manner, by planning and centring the finances accordingly.
Under the NDIS, intellectual disability is also supported based on the assessment spectrum of disability- ranging from moderate to profound. Intellectual disability conditions covered under the NDIS include Autism, Down Syndrome, and developmental delays.
Employment Support
Having a job not only promotes financial independence but also boosts self-worth, presents many opportunities to build social connections, and can improve health and well-being. Skill development is another added benefit that, in the long run, can also help improve opportunity for future employments.
Under the NDIS employment support, funds are not directly given to the support providers. Support services need to be purchased by the NDIS participant whom the NDIS is supporting with funds. The frequency and intensity of the support will determine the claim of the support. Employment support from the NDIS assists participants in the following areas:
- On-the-job training and related support
- Assistance at the workplace to ensure meaningful participation
- Complex needs at work
Although the Disability Employment Services (DES) may help people with disability find and maintain employment, the NDIS extends further support to those pursuing their employment goals. Primarily, disability-related support is delivered in the Australian Disability Enterprises (ADEs). However, the range has been widened and is not just limited to ADEs.
The reason behind this transformation is the inclusion of the employment support services to the core budget of the individuals from the capacity-building budget.
Community Living Options
For the differently abled, the freedom to choose where, and with whom, they live can help them feel independent, increase social interaction and access to informal support. Such intangible attributes greatly impact the quality of life and play a crucial role in bringing a positive change to the lives of NDIS participants.
The community living options offer support through the following:
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA): Well-designed homes that offer high functionality for people with severe impairments and significant support needs. The requirements and obligations for SDA are stated in the NDIS (Specialist Disability Accommodation) Rules 2021.
Supported Independent Living: This includes help or supervision with daily chores which promotes independent living with skill development.
Provision of Assistive Technology: The NDIS supports the necessary and reasonable technical assistance to help NDIS participants carry out their everyday chores or to make it easier for them to do so.
Provision for home modification: By conducting home modification assessments, plans and improvements, the reasonable and necessary modifications can be included in the participant’s NDIS plan.
Individualised Living options: The ILO support through NDIS gives participants the flexibility to choose and explore different living options and go for the best-suited one
Home and Living Compliance: Adherence to the NDIS pricing guidelines and limits to protect participants against unscrupulous practices.
The NDIS is a comprehensive and valuable support system for people faced with disabilities. The scheme assists people in fulfilling needs and supports them in living independent lives to the best of their ability. By deploying the necessary and reasonable resources to their cause, the NDIS is a step forward for NDIS participants.
If you wish to learn more about your NDIS plan, contact us at 1800 63 63 77.
