How to Apply for NDIS Funding: A Complete Guide

NDIS funding is one of the most widely implemented social reforms in Australia. Being introduced in 2016, it has helped over 500,000 people in the country through various NDIS funded activities. Individuals with disabilities can get these benefits along with their families, but like every government scheme, it is necessary to register through the NDIS funding application. In this blog, we will give you the complete breakdown of the process along with the eligibility criteria to obtain NDIS funding.

What is NDIS Funding?

NDIS stands for National Disability Insurance Scheme which allows people with disabilities to lead a fulfilling life. Funding given under this scheme ensures that participants get access to the support they need. This could include assistance in daily living, education, employment, and overall wellbeing. It’s tailored to each participant’s unique goals and needs, offering choice, control, and flexibility. With greater autonomy and personalised plans, NDIS participants can enjoy a more inclusive, independent life. The aim is to empower individuals with disabilities.

What does NDIS Funding Cover?

There are already some preset rules that need to be followed while channelising these funds. Here is how the NDIS criteria of funding are categorised into three major aspects:

  • Personal Support-

This provides tailored assistance to individuals with disabilities in their daily activities. Personal care tasks include bathing, dressing, grooming etc. Moreover, it extends to supporting participants with meal preparation, eating, mobility, communication, and community participation. The primary goal is to empower individuals, enabling them to engage in social activities, maintain independence, and enhance their overall well-being.

  • Domestic Support-

NDIS funding also extends to domestic support, recognising that people with disabilities may need assistance with household tasks. From cleaning and laundry to cooking and grocery shopping, this funding ensures that participants can live in a clean and safe environment. By receiving support in these areas, individuals can experience a higher level of comfort and independence within their own homes.

  • Social Support –

For all of us, connections and community engagement make a difference. NDIS funding for social support aims to foster these connections and enable active participation in community life. Whether it’s attending events, joining clubs or going for recreational activities, they can build meaningful relationships. This enhances their social skills and can improve their overall well-being.

What are the different types of NDIS Funding?

Funds are allocated according to the goals and needs of the participant. This way, individuals with disabilities can get the exact support they require to lead a fulfilling life:

  • Core Support Budget- This budget will cover the most immediate support one would need and tends to be flexible like:
    • Assistance in daily life –This budget can cover assistance with self-care activities that a participant may need.
    • Community Participation – Recreational activities can help individuals with disabilities gain more social interaction. Under core support, they can make meaningful connections with more people within the community.
    • Transport: Participants can also use their core support funding to travel and use public transport.
  • Capacity Building Support Budget – This includes the support one needs to be economically independent and socially connected.
    • Find employment opportunities – Under this, participants can get access to assistance and counselling for gaining meaningful employment.
    • Participate in communities – Developing life skills such as social participation, training for using public transport and more can be focused on under this budget.
    • Health and Wellbeing – Individuals with disabilities can use the budget to gain advice on maintaining their health. This could include exercises that can help them.
  • Capital Support Budget – This one is a costly but crucial resource that can greatly improve the lives of individuals with disabilities.
    • Assistive Technology –You can use your capital support budget to go for getting equipment for mobility and personal care. For instance, it could be going for modifications to your car to make it easier to travel. This gives the participant greater freedom and independence.
    • Home Modifications – Individuals with disabilities can benefit from certain modifications to their house. For instance, you could install a handrail which allows a participant to use their bathroom with greater ease.

How Does NDIS Funding Work?

In this section, we will discuss how one can start the process and get the NDIS fund.

Step 1 – Determining eligibility:

Here are a few points to determine the eligibility criteria to claim for NDIS funding:

  • Must be between the age of 9 to 65
  • Needs to be an Australian citizen, permanent visa holder or protected special category visa holder living in Australia
  • Must have permanent or significant disability
  • Requires financial support for their future needs

Step 2 – Make an Access Request to National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)

After submitting the Access Request form to the NDIA, you must wait till you receive the outcome. This assessment will determine your eligibility for NDIS funding and the support you may be entitled to.

Step 3 -Providing information about the disability

You will have to present evidence of your disability. This can be a primary diagnosis report or documents showing any past or future treatments. The report must come from a medical practitioner who has been treating you for the past six months.

The medical practitioner can be:

  • General practitioners and paediatricians
  • Surgeons
  • Speech pathologists
  • Occupational therapists and physiotherapists
  • Neurologists, psychologists, psychiatrists

Once all the necessary information above is gathered, you can submit the evidence along with the form by:

  • Emailing the reports and evidence to NAT@ndis.gov.au
  • Posting the reports and evidence to GPO Box 700, Canberra, ACT 2601
  • Going to the nearest NDIA office

Step 4 – Contact a registered NDIS service provider to use your NDIS funding

After getting the green light from the NDIS, you can call a reliable service provider to know how to get started.

Life Care Solutions is a trusted name for all your NDIS support needs. You can call us on 1300 070 333 or email us at info@lifecares.com.au to learn more. We are here to help you with all the needed services from our trained assistants and medical professionals.

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