The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the new way of providing individualised support for people with a permanent and significant disability, their families and carers. The National Disability Insurance Scheme is the insurance that gives us all peace of mind. Disability could affect anyone – having the right support makes a big difference.
Why did they introduce the NDIS?
The current disability support system is underfunded, unfair, fragmented, and inefficient. It gives people with a disability little choice, no certainty of access to appropriate supports and little scope to participate in the community.
The NDIS provides support packages tailored to people’s individual needs. People can choose their own provider(s), ask an intermediary to assemble the best package on their behalf, cash out their funding allocation and direct the funding to areas of need (with appropriate probity controls and support), or choose a combination of these options.
What does this mean for you?
The NDIS will give you greater control and choice over the services you receive. It won’t mean that you have to change any of your current arrangements if they suit you, and it won’t change the supports you receive for rent, electricity etc., if you receive a government pension. While the scheme applies to eligible persons under the age of 65, the Government has said that services will still be available for those over 65 to access.
NDIS Roll out
The NDIS is operating in the following locations:
It’s planned that by 2020, the NDIS rollout will be complete across Australia. If the scheme hasn’t launched in your area yet, it’s just a matter of time – and in the meantime, your current government-funded disability services will continue as usual.
For more NDIS information
See NDIS Factsheets?
