5 Steps to Qualify For The NDIS
If you’re reading this article, you might be wondering, “Do I qualify for the NDIS?” Understanding all the ins and outs of the Australian government’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be confusing and complicated. If you have any questions about the NDIS or need support with your plan, consider contacting Instacare’s NDIS plan management experts. Or, read on to learn more about the five steps required to qualify for NDIS support.
1 – Find out if you’re eligible
The first step in the NDIS qualification process is to check if you are eligible to receive support. The NDIS website provides a detailed list of age, disability and residence requirements for potential NDIS participants to qualify.
If you’re having trouble deciding whether you meet the complicated eligibility requirements, the NDIS support team at Instacare can help.
Once you’ve checked whether your condition is covered by the NDIS and that you meet the age and residence requirements, you can move onto the next step—considering your goals and needs.
2 – Make a list of your goals and needs
The next step is to make a detailed list of your goals and needs related to your disability, including your funding expectations, your aspirations for the future and what kind of support you require.
Having all of this information handy will help when you meet with your plan management team. If you’re having trouble coming up with a list, you can ask for help from your family, friends or carers; or speak with a qualified NDIS specialist for advice.
Once you have your goals, needs and aspirations set in place, it’s time to meet up with a National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) planner, Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) coordinator or Local Area Coordinator (LAC).
3 – Meet with your NDIA planner, LAC or ECEI coordination
You’re now ready to meet with your NDIA planner, LAC or ECEI coordinator. You can chat with your planner in person or via phone.
This is where your goals, needs and aspirations list comes in handy. Your planner will ask what you’d like to get out of the NDIS. Your goals could include:
- Independently using public transportation
- Independent living
- Building life skills
- Finding or keeping consistent work
- Being more active in the community
If your goals are long-term, your planner can help break them down into smaller, short-term goals. You may need to meet with your planner more than once to complete your NDIS plan.
4 – Make your plan a reality
You’re now ready to implement your plan. You can decide to manage your NDIS funding yourself or request help from a friend, family member or NDIA support worker.
The NDIS experts at Instacare can also help with support coordination, ensuring you will achieve the goals set out in your plan.
5 – Review your plan each year
Annually, you will meet with your NDIA planner again to review your plan on an agreed date. You’ll check what’s working, what’s not, and if any changes need to be made.
If you have any further questions about qualifying for the NDIS, contact our friendly team today.
