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.
What is the NDIA?
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is the independent agency responsible for implementing the NDIS.
How does the NDIS work?
Individuals will need to apply to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) to ensure they are eligible for NDIS funding (Once they are deemed eligible). A planning meeting is then set up between the participant and NDIA to discuss the type of goals the participant would like to achieve. Funding is then allocated to help the participant achieve those goals. The participant can then choose any registered NDIS service provider to facilitate their NDIS plans.
At Aftercare, an NDIS officer can help participants every step of the way with the application process.
Who will be eligible for the NDIS?
When the NDIS becomes available in your area you may be eligible for the NDIS if:
You can access more information on NDIS eligibility criteria at:
http://www.ndis.gov.au/ndis-access-checklist
Will the NDIS affect my Disability Support pension?
This along with other income supports and payments such as Carer Payment, Carer Supplement, Carer allowance and Child Disability Assistance Payment are entirely separate to the NDIS and will not be affected if you are eligible for the NDIS.
What kind of supports does the NDIS fund?
Guidelines set out in the NDIS Act help to decide what can be funded, but generally the supports and services provided to you, if eligible, need to assist you to:
This means providing support, if required, in areas including:
Does the funding rollover if I don’t use it all in 12 months?
No, in most cases, the funding does not rollover to the next period if you have not used it. However your plan will be reviewed every 12 months and new funding will be allocated.
Can I manage my own funds?
Of course you can. You will need to have a separate bank account to keep the NDIS funds and keep all your records. The NDIA also states that you must be responsible for:
If you require someone else to manage your funds, you can visit a Plan Management Provider which can be discussed at your planning meeting.
Can I use other service providers?
Absolutely. NDIS funding means that, as a participant, you are completely in control. You have the ability to choose who you would like to use as your support service provider. You must remember that If you choose the NDIA to manage your plan a service provider must be a registered NDIS service provider.
You can choose to receive support from a provider that is not a registered provider of support but you may need to manage that part of your plan yourself, appoint a nominee to manage it on your behalf, or have a registered plan management provider manage it for you.
At Aftercare we encourage collaboration between service providers and community/local support services.
How do I contact NDIA?
If you are currently supported by Aftercare, your support worker can help you contact the NDIA to organise an application. You can also contact them on 1800 800 110.
When will the National Disability Insurance Scheme be implemented?
Currently, there are active trials all around the country. For state by state rollout:
New South Wales: progressive rollout starts in July 2016
Victoria: progressive rollout starte in July 2016
Queensland: progressive rollout starts in July 2016
Australian Capital Territory: progressive rollout started in 2015
Western Australia: progressive rollout TBA
South Australia: progressive rollout starts in July 2016
Northern Territory: progressive rollout starts in July 2016
Tasmania: progressive rollout starts in July 2016
Can my plan be reviewed and when?
Plans are reviewed annually. However if there has been a significant change in your circumstances you can request a review earlier.
What happens if I am an existing Aftercare service user but am not eligible for support from NDIA?
Aftercare is negotiating with the Government and with Primary Health Networks regarding support for its programs for people who will not receive a support package under the NDIS. Many of our programs will continue to provide services to people over 65 and to those who are not eligible for NDIS assistance. For the moment, our programs will continue to operate as usual and will continue to provide services to existing users.
