According to the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), the number of people with a disability in the country is currently around 4.3 million. The goal of the scheme is to offer support and services to those people, and it’s the first national scheme of its type. After years of suffering and falling short, people with disabilities in Australia finally have the support they need.

However, knowing that support exists and actually receiving this help are two completely different matters. How do you apply for NDIS? Let’s find out!

Eligibility

Before anything else, you need to check that you’re actually eligible. Thankfully, the NDIS has a checklist on the website which you can go through. First and foremost, you need to be between 7 and 65 years of age. If you have a child under the lower age limit, you’ll need to go through the ECEI (Early Childhood Early Intervention) process instead. On the other hand, those over 65 may find support elsewhere.

Assuming you’re the right age, the next step is to ensure that you have Australian residency and live in the country. As well as Australian citizens, NDIS is open to those with a Permanent or Special Category Visa. If you don’t have a visa, you’ll need to seek other options.

The third question requires you to have a significant and permanent disability. Since this scheme is designed for permanent disabilities, you can’t receive help for short-term problems and injuries. Some people have trouble with the definition of ‘significant and permanent’, so it’s best to contact the NDIS if you have any questions or doubts.

Next, the NDIS will ask whether or not your significant and permanent disability requires special equipment. If yes, your eligibility is likely. If no, the NDIS recommends that you proceed to the next requirement anyway.

Finally, you must need support to reduce the needs that you’ll have in the future. If not, you should look towards other support options. If this is your goal, you should be eligible for National Disability Insurance.

Applying

At this stage, you’re ready to apply for NDIS support. If you are confused by the eligibility criteria or would like to speak to an adviser, contact a partner like Provider Plus, or contact the NDIS team directly at 1800 800 110. Though the eligibility checklist is designed to help people decide their eligibility, every case is unique, and you may still be confused over your own eligibility.

For those who are eligible, contact the number above and you can make an Access Request. Alternatively, find the Access Request Form online and send this via email. If you need help making the Access Request, you can get help from one of the following:

  • Your local NDIA
  • Your Local Area Coordinator
  • Your Early Childhood Early Intervention partner

To get started, visit the Contact Us page on the NDIS website and you should find everything you need there. During this application process, you’ll need to supply information regarding your identity. Furthermore, you’ll answer questions about your eligibility as well as consent for the NDIS to hold your information and look into your profile/background.

Depending on the circumstances, some people are asked about their disability and how it affects their life. Recipients often bolster their application with reports, letters, and signatures from health professionals.

Summary

After checking your eligibility for NDIS, complete the Access Request process or get somebody else to help. From here, it’s a matter of waiting. If accepted, you’ll receive more information about what happens next.

Why not get started by visiting the eligibility checklist (or following the information above)?