Applying for NDIS funding is a key step towards leading a more independent life for people with disabilities. If you or a loved one requires some form of disability support, this funding can be a life changer. However, meeting the eligibility criteria, learning about the program, and getting the right assistance may seem daunting at first. No worries! With expert guidance, the process is quite straightforward.
This blog will address any queries about the application process and answer the most important question – “How to apply for NDIS funding?”. So, let’s get right to it.
Step 1: Meeting the Eligibility Criteria
- Age: You must be between 9 and 65 years old at the time of application.
- Residency: You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident or hold a Protected Special Category visa.
- Disability: Your disability must have a permanent effect on your ability to perform daily activities. It could be physical, intellectual, sensory, cognitive, or psychosocial.
Step 2: Collecting Information
If you meet all the eligibility requirements, go ahead and gather all relevant documentation to support your application. This is important as it will ensure quick approval of the NDIS plan. You’ll need the following:
- Evidence of Disability: Get medical reports and assessments of your disability detailing how it affects your daily routine.
- Impact of Disability: You may also need to present further evidence of how the disability impacts your independence, social interaction, or community participation may be required.
- Goals and Aspirations: It’s a good idea to list out your aspirations. Explain what you’d like to do with the NDIS funding and what support you’ll use to reach your goals.
Step 3: Applying to the NDIS
Now that you have all the necessary documents, you can apply for NDIS funding through an Access Request. There are multiple ways to do this:
- Phone Call: You can call the official contact number – 1800 800 110.
- NDIS Website: The official website has the Access Request form. You can fill it up online. Besides, there are other online resources, like FAQs, guides, fact sheets, etc., that can help with the application process.
- NDIS Office / Contact Centre: You’ll also find several local NDIS offices and contact centres across Australia that can assist you with the application.
- Registered NDIS Providers: These are also registered service providers who help individuals receive NDIS support. You can seek their assistance when applying for NDIS funding.
Step 4: Send the Access Request Form
In the next step, you can complete the Access Request form and submit it for processing. Make sure that all the details provided are accurate and have the supporting documents attached. An application that has all the required paperwork and information can lead to faster approval.
Step 5: Assessment and Planning
After submitting the form, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will process it and schedule an assessment. You will be contacted to meet with a Local Area Coordinator (LAC), a therapist, or an independent assessor. During this meeting, you can discuss your needs and goals.
The assessment and NDIS approval process may take several weeks. Hence, you must be patient. Take this time to review your support requirements and how they can help you live more independently. This will prepare you for the next stage, where discussions on funding and the overall plan will take place.
Step 6: Develop and Manage Your NDIS Plan
If everything checks out and your application is accepted, the next step is to work on an NDIS plan. You will be invited to a meeting where the basic plan is discussed. This includes an outline of the different support and services you’ll need to meet your goals.
This is a good opportunity to share your ideas, vision, personal goals and the support you expect. If you have any support system in place, be ready to share it. Also, let the NDIA know if you’re interested in a particular service, such as therapy, mobility equipment, or personal care assistance.
After approval, funding will be released so that you can access all the services in your plan. You can manage your funds in one of three ways:
- Self-managed: In this, you manage the funding independently and look after all payments.
- Plan Managed: Here, a plan manager is responsible for the NDIS funding and handles it on your behalf.
- NDIA-managed: The NDIA directly manages the payments to service providers so you don’t have to handle financial administration.
Step 7: Review, Approval and Implementation
Now that the funding and plan are in place, you’ll have access to a wide range of support services. You have complete freedom to choose a provider who meets your needs best. It’s also a good idea to periodically review your NDIS plan and funding to ensure everything is in perfect alignment. This is important if your needs change and the old plan isn’t cutting it anymore.
Get in Contact with Instant Support
Instant Support is a registered NDIS provider in Melbourne. We help participants make the most of their NDIS funding and plans to live more independently. Our assistance doesn’t stop there. We also assist people with depleted funding to access various supports. Even if their funds have dried up, our team offers free services for around 6 months. This also includes participants whose plans haven’t been approved yet and are still under process.
So, if you’re interested in the NDIS program or wish to enrol yourself or a loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can call Instant Support on 0491 168 883 or email us at info@instantsupport.com.au to get started today.
