The process
Eligibility
Not everyone who has a disability will be eligible for an NDIS support package. Only 10 per cent of people with a disability are expected to meet the eligibility requirements. In Victoria, that is likely to be about 116,000 people.
To be eligible for an NDIS support package, participants need to:
- meet residency requirements.
- be aged under 65
- have a permanent and significant disability that could benefit from supports.
People with disabilities who do not meet the eligibility criteria are expected to access support through other general community, mental health and health services.
The Local Area Coordinator can assist with information and referral.
Potential participants apply to the NDIS for access. This is usually a paper-based process which provides supporting documentation as to a person’s diagnosis and functional impairments.
Those meeting the eligibility criteria are accepted and invited to develop a plan with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
An NDIS plan outlines the amount of funding provided and allocates funding against the domains and objectives of the plan (often called an individual package). It is reviewed annually.
Once the NDIS participant receives their package they choose their provider or providers, and how and when their service or supports are to be delivered.
During the course of the plan the participant might change some of their supports and may change providers. They may also choose to have one or multiple providers. They may manage the package themselves (ie directly purchase their services and manage their support budget) or have the NDIA do this. Some (but not all) will have a support coordinator to assist them link to providers and manage their plan.
Service Providers
The NDIS has led to major changes in providers and services and introduced two new service types: the NDIA and its community partners.
These include the Local Area Coordinator (LACs) who provide information and referral and support people to access and participate in the scheme; and, Early Childhood Partners (ECP) who provide early intervention and support for children aged six and under.
You can find registered providers on the NDIS website.