Frequently asked questions about the NDIS

September 27, 2021

If you are new to the NDIS or are unfamiliar with what services and supports are available to you in your community, it’s likely you’ve got questions about how it all works.

For example, you might be wondering, ‘is the NDIS Government funded?’. Or maybe you want to know more about how to apply for NDIS funding, or what supports you might be eligible to access under your NDIS plan. 

In this blog, we provide you with the answers to some of the commonly asked questions we receive about the NDIS. 

Q: What is the NDIS?

A: The National Disability Insurance Scheme – more commonly known as the NDIS – provides individualised support for people under the age of 65 with a permanent and significant disability. The scheme was designed to provide necessary and reasonable supports for people with disabilities to achieve their health and lifestyle goals. 

The NDIS is managed by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and is funded by the Department of Social Services.  

Q: Is the NDIS Government Funded?

A: Yes, the NDIS is Government Funded. It is funded jointly by the Commonwealth and participating states and territories. 

In the 2021‑22 Budget, the Federal Government committed to providing an additional $13.2 billion to the NDIS over the next four years. Funding is expected to grow to $122 billion over the next four years with contributions from the Commonwealth and states and territories.

Since the inception of the Scheme in 2013-14, the number of NDIS participants has grown from 7,000 to 450,000 Australians.

Q: How can I apply for NDIS funding?

A: Before you apply for funding, you need to check whether you’re eligible for an NDIS plan. The NDIS website has an eligibility checklist you can complete to determine whether the NDIS is right for you.

Now that you know whether you’re eligible or not, let’s get into how to apply for NDIS funding.

Firstly, you need to contact the NDIA to make an ‘Access Request’. You can do this by calling the NDIA directly on 1800 800 110, or by contacting contact us on 1800 312 870 to streamline the process and help you apply. The access request will require you to answer questions about yourself and your disability. Your doctor and/or other health professionals may need to provide evidence about your disability and how it impacts your life.

After you have made an access request, you will have a planning meeting. This meeting will be a deeper dive into your disability and the role it plays in your life. Additionally, you will be asked about what supports you are currently receiving (whether it’s from service providers, the local community, or your personal network). This planning meeting is designed for you to establish your short and long-term goals, as well as opening the discussion on how to manage your funding. 

After your planning meeting, you will receive your approved NDIS plan. The approved plan is valid for a 12-month period, unless otherwise stated.

Q: What supports will the NDIS Fund?

A: NDIS supports are broken down into three categories: core supports, capital supports and capacity building supports. 

Your core budget is for the support you need on a daily basis, such as assistance with daily living, transport, consumables or social & community participation. Your core supports should help develop your fundamental life skills and help with your participation in daily community activities.

Capital supports are for larger expenses that help build your independence. Your capital support funding can be used to purchase items such as assistive technology, or fund necessary modifications to the home such as handrails or ramps. It’s important to note that substantial capital supports usually need approval from the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) before purchasing. 

Capacity-building supports are an important part of establishing and working towards your long-term goals. There’s a large range of supports the NDIS will fund in this category, depending on your disability and individual needs. This category of funding can help you achieve things such as ongoing employment, further education, improved living arrangements and more. 

Q: Should I use an NDIS Plan Manager?

A: If you are new to the NDIS or are unfamiliar with what services and supports are available to you in your community, it might be a good idea to consider using a plan manager. 

A plan manager can help facilitate the best supports for you and give advice that suits your individual needs and goals.

A plan manager also takes the stress of paperwork off you and handles the difficult parts of your plan such as invoices, claims, fund-tracking, financial reporting and more. 

You can request for plan management as part of your NDIS at no additional cost to you. To receive additional funding for plan management in your NDIS plan, simply request for it to be included at your planning meeting.

Working with Disability Plan Services as your NDIS Plan Management provider will allow you to maintain control of your support services without the complicated administration and record keeping.

Our team are experienced NDIS Plan Managers and know how to make the most of your funding. For NDIS plan management and support coordination from people you can trust, get in touch with Disability Plan Services by calling 1800 312 870 or emailing info@disabilityplanservices.com.au.