How to get NDIS funding

November 22, 2021

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) exists to provide necessary support and funding for people living with a disability. The types of supports funded by the NDIS range from home modification design and construction, through to therapeutic supports, transport and more. If you’re living with a disability but are not receiving any formal supports, we outline how to get NDIS funding below. 

Firstly, assess your eligibility 

Before you try and apply for NDIS funding, it’s important to read the eligibility criteria outlined by the NDIS. The NDIS website has a simple questionnaire for you to fill out before you embark on the journey of applying for funding. It’s important to note that if you’re not eligible for NDIS funding, you may be entitled to other supports and benefits. You can learn more about these types of supports here.  

How to apply for NDIS funding

If you’ve completed the NDIS questionnaire and have determined that you’re eligible to receive funding, the next step is to apply. 

You will need to make an ‘Access Request’ with the NDIA. There’s three ways you can do this:

1. Call the NDIA on 1800 800 110 and ask to make an Access Request, 
2. Download and submit an Access Request Form and send it to NAT@ndis.gov.au, or
3. Get in touch with your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIA office and ask to make an Access Request.

This process will involve you proving your NDIS eligibility and identity. You can read more about making an Access Request here. After you’ve submitted your Access Request, the NDIA will process your request. Once approved, you will be contacted by the NDIA or a LAC to arrange a planning meeting. 

Once you’ve secured a planning meeting, you’ll need to collate a few documents and some information about yourself to give the NDIA a better understanding about you. You’ll need to know details about yourself, your disability, the type of support you’re currently receiving and assessments from your health professionals. 

Preparing for your planning meeting is an important tool to ensure you get the right funding for your goals and needs. However, it can be a little daunting to go through this process alone. If you choose to conduct your NDIS planning meeting face-to-face, you can bring a supporter with you. At Disability Plan Services, we’ve acted as a supporter for numerous clients. Our role during this planning meeting Is to advocate on your behalf, while making you feel safe and secure. 

How much funding do you get from NDIS

Unfortunately, asking how much funding do you get from NDIS is like asking how long a piece of string is. As the NDIA assesses everyone’s goals and needs, the amount of funding you receive differs on a case-by-case basis. Once the NDIA have assessed your personal circumstances, you will be eligible to request funding for the necessary supports you need.

You’ll typically stay on the same NDIS plan until you hit the 12-month mark, and then will be asked by the NDIA to participate in a review. A plan review is your opportunity to community what has worked well in your plan, as well as what hasn’t worked so well. A plan review gives you the opportunity to make changes or request more funding should your circumstances change or your current plan be unsuitable. 

What does the NDIS fund

As we mentioned earlier, everyone’s needs and goals are unique, so the types of supports the NDIS will fund differentiates from person to person. The following types of supports are just an example of what the NDIS may fund: 

• Daily personal activities
• Transport to community, social, and daily life activities 
• Workplace funding to help you find and keep a job 
• Therapeutic supports including behaviour support
• Assistance with household tasks to maintain your home environment
• Professional help in arranging aids or equipment assessment, set up and training
• Home and vehicle modifications
• Mobility equipment

Need more help on how to get NDIS funding, or are tired of self-managing your own NDIS plan? Contact us to discuss how we can create the ideal NDIS plan management service for you. Get in touch with us to help make your NDIS journey easier by calling 1800 312 870 or email info@disabilityplanservices.com.au.