Accessing the NDIS: A guide to eligibility and how to apply.

The NDIS is big, there’s a lot to navigate and it can be a bit daunting. Especially when starting out and you ‘don’t know what you don’t know!’.

If you, a friend or a family member are thinking about accessing the NDIS for the first time and you’re not sure where to start this is the ebook for you. Find out more about getting ready for the NDIS, applying and what comes next.

Accessing the NDIS is filled with tips, explanations and tried and tested approaches that will give you more confidence about applying for the NDIS.

NDIS Eligibility and access criteria.

You may be eligible for the NDIS if you meet certain requirements. This includes age, residency and disability requirements.

NDIS eligibility is focused on how a disability affects your ability to actively participate in work and society. The NDIS does not consider the cause of the disability. It does consider whether providing supports now will reduce your future needs.

One of the key disability requirements is permanence. A permanent disability means a disability that is likely to be lifelong and has a substantial impact on your ability to complete everyday activities. Learn more about the NDIS eligibility criteria by downloading Accessing the NDIS: A guide to eligibility and how to apply.

How to apply for the NDIS and where to get application support.

Applying for the NDIS is about providing confirmation and evidence that you or someone you care for meets the eligibility criteria to get NDIS supports.

There’s quite a lot involved in applying for the NDIS but the answers to your questions are always available, you just need to know where to look.

There are a range of options if you need assistance to apply for the NDIS. Download the Accessing the NDIS ebook above for more details.

How does the NDIS work?

Once you have applied for the NDIS, if your request is accepted, you will get an NDIS Plan.

An NDIS Plan is a written agreement outlining the “reasonable and necessary” supports and funding the NDIS will provide to help you achieve your goals.

Reasonable means fair and necessary means related to your disability (see our ebook for more information). Each plan is unique to you and your circumstances and is likely to last for between 6 months and 3 years.

The NDIS provides funding for a range of supports and services in areas such as independence, community involvement, living arrangements, education, employment and wellbeing.