The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the Australian Government’s support for people with disabilities. The program is administered by the National Disability Insurance Authority (NDIA). How do you qualify for the NDIS and how do you register with the NDIA and apply for funding? Many people with disabilities are still confused, so today we are going to introduce it to you:
Step 1 – Determine Eligibility
You need to fulfill the following criteria to apply for NDIS:
-Age – if you are under 65 years old
-Residence – if you live in Australia and are an Australian citizen or permanent resident
Disability – if you have a disability that is likely to be permanent and has a significant impact on your day-to-day activities
Contact the NDIA and tell them you want to participate in the NDIS. they can check if you are already in their system. If you are in their system, they will inform you of what you need to do next. If you are not in their system, they will ask you a few questions to determine if you are eligible for the NDIS. If you are eligible, they will send you an application form.

Step 2 – Complete the application form:
If you meet the eligibility criteria above, you will need to request an ‘Application Form’ from the NDIA by calling 1800 800 110.
You will need to complete the application form, providing details and evidence of your level of disability, i.e. doctor’s reports, specialist letters etc. Our service advisors are on hand to help you. Complete the form and send it back to NDIA.
Once you have completed the Application Form, NDIA will contact you to arrange a time for a Planning Meeting. The Planning Meeting is an opportunity for you to tell NDIA what support or services you need.
It is important to note that for individuals with disabilities who have previous state funding, there is no need to complete an application form and the previous program will be transferred directly to the NDIS program. In this case, NDIA will contact you directly by phone or letter or both. If you are unsure, you can contact NDIA by calling 1800 800 110.

Step 3 – Pre-Planning
Thinking ahead about your goals and expectations, the supports and services you currently receive, and the supports and services you would like to receive, will help you to be clear that what you ask for at the NDIA Planning Meeting will cover your needs. Come to the Planning Meeting with NDIA prepared and ready to go.

Step 4 – NDIA Planning
At your planning meeting, the NDIA officer will record all the support you have received so far, what support you still need to meet your needs, and your goals or aspirations for the future.
You can bring a family member or friend to the planning meeting; NDIA may ask you to conduct this meeting over the phone (to save time and labor); or you can request a face-to-face meeting at NDIA’s office or at your home to attend with your own supporters.
If you need a Mandarin or Cantonese interpreter for your program development meeting, you can ask NDIA to arrange this at no cost to you.
The NDIA Regional Coordinator will contact you to let you know the status of your plan approval and mail you a copy of the approved plan.
Your first plan may include:
-the informal support you receive from family and friends.
– The support you receive from different services and community organizations.
– Reasonable and necessary supports, these are supports that NDIA has agreed to fund based on the information you have provided. This support is used to meet your immediate needs and to begin to realize your goals and aspirations.
Upon completion of the first program, you will be provided with details of the funds allocated to you. You are then free to choose a service provider to spend the funds.

Step 5 – NDIA Program Implementation
Your first program funding will be available within 12 months. During this time you can learn about and look at multiple service providers, and consider and plan how to make this money work effectively for you. You can also consider what you might need for your next plan in order to continue to achieve your goals. Once the funding is in place, your NDIA Area Coordinator will meet with you to discuss the details of program implementation and choose where to purchase your support services.

Summarize the 5 steps:

1.Confirm your eligibility by calling NDIA on 1800 800 110 between 8am and 11pm, Monday to Friday, or 131 450 in the first instance if you require interpreting services.

2. Complete the application form in as much detail as possible, providing relevant evidence. Wait for further contact from NDIA to confirm your success as an NDIS ‘participant’.

3. Prepare for your “plan making meeting” with the NDIA.

4. Have a “Program Development Meeting” with your NDI Area Coordinator to discuss your needs, goals and expectations. After this meeting, you will need to wait to see if your plan is approved.

5. If the plan is approved, meet with your NDIA Area Coordinator to discuss how to implement the plan and choose where to purchase your support services.

If you need help with any of these steps, please contact us