What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme is also called NDIS. It is a scheme designed to help people with a disability under the age of 65 to get the support they need. The NDIS is designed for people with a permanent and significant disability which impacts the ability to engage in day to day activities.If you meet the NDIS eligibility and work out what reasonable and necessary supports you need to live the life you want. NDIS will fund to pay for the supports you need.
There are around 4.3 million Australians who have a disability. When it is fully rolled out, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will provide about 460,000 Australians aged under 65, who havepermanent and significant disability with funding for supports and services. For many people, it will be the first time they receive the disability support they need.
The NDIS can provide all people with disability with information and connections to services in their communities such as doctors, sporting clubs, support groups, libraries and schools, as well as information about what support is provided by each state and territory government.
NDIS – What does it mean?
- National: The NDIS is being introduced progressively across all states and territories.
- Disability: The NDIS provides support to eligible people with intellectual, physical, sensory, cognitive and psychosocial disability. Early intervention supports can also be provided for eligible people with disability or children with developmental delay.
- Insurance: The NDIS gives all Australians peace of mind if they, their child or loved one is born with or acquires a permanent and significant disability, they will get the support they need.
- Scheme: The NDIS is not a welfare system. The NDIS is designed to help people get the support they need so their skills and independence improve over time.
NDIS key words
- Permanent and significant disability: A permanent disability means your disability is likely to be lifelong. A significant disability has a substantial impact on your ability to complete everyday activities.
- Supports and services: Assistance or products that help a person in their daily life and help them participate in the community and reach their goals.
- Early intervention: Providing support to a person, either a child or an adult, as early as possible to reduce the impacts of disability or developmental delay and to build their skills and independence.
What supports will the NDIS fund?
The NDIS funds lots of different things
Things like Accommodation, Flexible support, Therapy,Community access are some of the things funded by the NDIS. But there’s more.You get to choose when, where and how to receive these supports.
Are you eligible for the NDIS?
Eligibility for the NDIS depends on a few things
Residency: You need to Australian citizen, permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen who holds a Special Category Visa
Age: You must be under 65 years of age during the time of your application
Disability: You must have a permanent disability that significantly affects your day to day living
Location: You need to be in an area where the scheme is already rolled out
Early intervention: You may be eligible if early intervention would improve your child’s functioning.