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NDIS Resources
What is the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)?
It's a government program designed to assist individuals under 65 with disabilities by providing funding for their care and support needs, tailored to their specific requirements and objectives.
NDIS funding encompasses various areas such as employment support, daily life assistance, accommodation, activities, and more.
The beauty of the NDIS is that it empowers you to choose the type of support you need, where and when you want to receive it, and even select your preferred disability service providers.
Applying for the NDIS
Wondering if you're eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)? Here's a quick guide:
What happens to my funding once I turn 65?
What happens to unused funds in my plan?
What is an NDIS Local Area Coordinator?
The difference between SIL and SDA
To qualify for NDIS support, you must:
1. Meet the disability requirements set by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
2. Reside in an area where the NDIS is already available or will be introduced within the next 6 months.
3. Be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
4. Be under 65 years of age when applying.
You can easily check your eligibility by visiting the NDIS Am I eligible | NDIS page. There, you'll find a handy checklist that will guide you through the criteria.
For more information on how to apply, click HERE
You can also reach out to your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) for assistance with the process. Check out the links below for QLD and Northern NSW LAC contacts:
Understanding your Plan
The NDIS aims to empower you with choice and control over the supports in your plan. To kickstart your NDIS journey, you'll receive assistance from your early childhood partner, Local Area Coordinator (LAC), or Support Coordinator.
What's included in your plan? Your NDIS plan is tailored to the discussions you had during your planning meeting.
Your plan covers:
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Personal details: This section outlines basic information about your disability, daily activities, residence, and caregivers.
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Support from family and friends: Here, you can note the assistance you receive from loved ones, even if it's not funded, as it contributes to your goal attainment.
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Community services and groups: This segment addresses services and supports provided by the community or government, such as support groups, health facilities, libraries, and public transportation.
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Your goals: This part outlines both short-term and long-term goals you aim to achieve. Goal setting is integral to the NDIS, and the supports outlined in your plan are geared toward helping you reach these goals.
For further details, click HERE.
What happens to my funding if I'm over 65 years of age?
To be eligible for the NDIS, you must be under the age of 65 at the time of application. If you are 65 or older and already receive specialized disability supports, you will typically continue to receive similar support through the Commonwealth Continuity of Support program.
Once you have an NDIS plan, your funding will generally continue when you reach 65. However, if you turn 65 and enter an aged residential care facility or begin to permanently receive 'home care' under the Aged Care Act 1997, your NDIS funding will cease.
Do unused funds in my plan return to the NDIS?
Certainly. If you notice that your level of independence has grown and your need for support has decreased, you might find yourself with unused funds in your plan. However, it's important to understand that there's no advantage in avoiding the use of services and saving funds unnecessarily.
If you find that you're not utilizing your funds as expected and you wish to modify the types of supports and services you require, don't hesitate to discuss this with your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager. They can assist you in making adjustments to better align with your current needs and goals.
Price List
The NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, formerly known as the NDIS Price Guide, serve as a resource for both participants and disability support providers, outlining how price controls for supports and services function within the NDIS.
These pricing arrangements are designed to ensure that participants receive value for the supports they receive, setting maximum prices that registered providers can charge for specific supports.
The Support Catalogue within the guide details all available supports, along with current and previous price limits for each support item. It also specifies the applicable claim types (such as travel or non-face-to-face) for each price-limited support item.
While price limits are in place, participants and providers have the flexibility to negotiate lower prices. However, it's essential to adhere to the rules outlined in the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits when delivering supports to NDIA-managed or plan-managed participants.
It's worth noting that the NDIA regularly updates these pricing arrangements to ensure transparency and effectiveness within the NDIS framework.
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NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2024-25 (PDF 1.3MB) - effective 1 July 2024
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NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2024-25 (DOCX 361KB) - effective 1 July 2024
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NDIS Support Catalogue 2024-25 (XLSX 547KB) - effective 1 July 2024
What is a provider?
A provider refers to an individual or organization that offers support or products to NDIS participants. Interested parties can apply to become registered NDIS providers through the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission).
Registered providers are required to meet the NDIS Practice Standards under the oversight of the NDIS Commission. Additionally, both registered and unregistered providers are obligated to adhere to the NDIS Code of Conduct.
For more details, please visit the For Providers page on the NDIS Commission’s website
Changing NDIS Providers
Here's a simplified guide to changing your NDIS service provider:
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Review your service agreement terms and conditions - Take a look at your current service agreement to understand any termination periods or cancellation fees that might apply.
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Notify your current service provider in writing - Send a written request, preferably via email, to formally end your agreement with your current NDIS provider.
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Cancel your service booking - Speak to your current provider to remove your service booking, allowing your new provider to set up their own booking for you.
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Select a new service provider - Once your contract with your current provider expires, you can choose a new one. Research potential providers, create a shortlist, and make your decision based on feedback from other participants and your own interactions with the provider.
What is a Local Area Coordinator (LAC)?
A Local Area Coordinator (LAC) serves as a collaborative partner of the NDIA, facilitating planning meetings in a manner akin to NDIA planners.
Typically, LACs engage with individuals who have less complex support requirements, whereas senior NDIA planners may oversee meetings for those with more intricate needs. Despite this distinction, LACs and NDIA planners share a common goal: to ensure participants receive tailored support aligned with their individual goals and aspirations.
When communicating with clients, LACs commonly refer to themselves as NDIA Planners, reflecting their role in guiding participants through the planning process and connecting them with suitable services and supports. This inclusive approach fosters a seamless experience for participants as they navigate the NDIS landscape.
What is the difference between Plan Management and Support Coordination? Plan Management involves the comprehensive oversight and administration of the funds allocated to an individual through the NDIS, including budget management, payment processing, and handling invoices. It ensures that the participant's NDIS budget is effectively managed to support their needs and goals.
On the other hand, Support Coordination involves the active implementation of the participant's NDIS plan. This includes guiding and supporting the individual in utilising the services and supports outlined in their plan to achieve their desired outcomes. Support Coordinators work closely with participants to ensure they remain on track with accessing the appropriate services and resources needed to enhance their quality of life and achieve their goals.
What's the difference between SIL and SDA?
Supported Independent Living (SIL) and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) are distinct components funded separately within your NDIS Plan. SDA focuses on providing modified housing tailored to the specific needs of participants with high levels of complexity. Conversely, SIL offers daily living assistance aimed at fostering participants' independence to the fullest extent possible.
Depending on eligibility criteria, both SIL and SDA may be included in your NDIS plan, offering you more tailored support based on your individual requirements.
How do I contact the NDIA?
You can reach out to the NDIA by dialing 1800 800 110 from Monday to Friday, between 8 am and 8 pm.
Their team is available to assist with various inquiries, such as registration details, adding a nominee as an additional contact, and determining eligibility for NDIS funding.
Please note that the 1800 number often experiences a high volume of calls, resulting in extended wait times, sometimes up to an hour. To minimize delays, we recommend calling during less busy periods, particularly between 8 am and 9 am, or after 5 pm.
How can I utilise my Core funding?
Your Core support funding is provided as a lump sum, offering flexibility across four categories.
For instance, if your total Core budget is $14,000, you have the option to distribute it among different categories. You might allocate $2,000 for consumables, $7,000 for daily activities, $1,000 for transport, and $4,000 for social activities.
While Core support funding is flexible, you can also allocate funds for specific purposes. For example, you may choose to self-manage some of your Core funding to support additional transport needs, receiving automatic payments on an ad-hoc basis.
Occasionally, the NDIS may designate funding for specific categories, restricting its use in other areas.
Transport funding
Your Core support funding can cover your community travel needs. Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), transport funding is available if you cannot use public transport due to your disability. Funding can be used for community buses or taxis and is provided fortnightly in advance. However, it does not cover costs for a carer or family member driving you around.
There are three levels of transport support:
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Level 1 – up to $1,606 per year: For individuals not working, studying, or attending a day program. Also applicable for those interested in community activities or volunteering.
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Level 2 – $2,472: For part-time workers, students (less than 15 hours per week), or participants in social activities.
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Level 3 – $3,456: For full-time workers, students (more than 15 hours per week), or job seekers.
Transport funding in your NDIS plan replaces the Centrelink Mobility Allowance. In certain cases, higher funding may be available if employment participation is included in your plan.
For more information click HERE
What is Capital Support?
Key points:
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Capital support funding covers assistive technology, modifications, and Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).
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Requested aids or equipment must meet specific criteria to be included in your NDIS plan.
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You have the freedom to select your own supplier using your funding.
What is Capital support?
Capital support budget covers investments like assistive technology, home or vehicle modifications, and specialist disability equipment. It includes assessment, delivery, setup, adjustment, and maintenance costs as needed.
Assistive technology
These are aids or equipment that help you live independently or make it easier for your carer to assist you. Examples include wheelchairs, pressure mattresses, standing frames, and communication devices.
Vehicle modifications
These modifications enable safe travel as a passenger or driver, such as installing hand controls or a hoist.
Home Modification
These changes improve safety and independence at home, like adding handrails or ramps.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA)
This refers to purpose-built accommodation for participants with extreme functional impairment or high support needs.
How can I spend my Capital support funding?
Funds must be used for items specified in your plan, related to your disability, and considered reasonable and necessary.
You can choose your supplier without needing multiple quotes for each item or service.
More NDIS Information:
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