The NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) is the support program that provides funding and services to people with disabilities in Australia. It helps individuals access personalised support to improve their quality of life and independence.

The NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) is the government organisation that administers the NDIS. The NDIA is responsible for managing the implementation of the NDIS, helping participants develop their plans, and overseeing the delivery of services.

In short, the NDIS is the program, while the NDIA is the agency that runs it.

To be eligible for the NDIS, a person must:

• Be under 65 years of age.

• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.

• meet the disability or early intervention requirements.

• Live in an area where the NDIS is available.

No, the NDIS is not means-tested. This means that your eligibility for the NDIS and the amount of funding you receive are not determined by your income or financial situation. The NDIS is based solely on whether you meet the disability and residency criteria, not your financial status. This allows individuals with significant and permanent disabilities to access the necessary support regardless of their income or assets.

An NDIS plan is a personalised support plan created for participants of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It outlines the individual’s goals and the types of support they need to achieve those goals. The plan includes funding for specific services, such as therapies, equipment, personal care, or home modifications, tailored to the participant’s unique needs. NDIS participants have the flexibility to choose their service providers and manage their funding to ensure the supports align with their preferences. Each plan is regularly reviewed and updated as circumstances or goals change.

The NDIS provides funding for the essential supports and equipment needed by individuals with disabilities. This funding helps you work towards your goals and ambitions, enhances your independence, boosts your social and economic involvement, and builds your capacity to engage in the community.

When you turn 65, you can no longer access the NDIS as a new participant. However, if you are already receiving NDIS support before turning 65, you have the option to either remain with the NDIS or transition to the aged care system. If you choose to stay with the NDIS, you can continue receiving your current supports. If you transition to aged care, you will move to services under the My Aged Care program, which provides support specifically for older Australians. The choice depends on your needs and preferences at the time.

You can use your NDIS funding for supports and services that are directly related to your disability and will help you achieve the goals outlined in your NDIS plan. These may include assistance with daily living, therapies, equipment, home modifications, and community participation. Your funding must be used for items or services that are considered reasonable and necessary to improve your quality of life and independence.

To determine what is covered, refer to the specific details of your NDIS plan and discuss with your NDIS planner or support coordinator. The NDIS will not fund items that are considered everyday living expenses or unrelated to your disability, such as groceries or rent.

The main difference between registered and non-registered providers under the NDIS relates to their approval status with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and how they can deliver services:

1. Registered Providers:

   • These providers are officially approved by the NDIA and must meet strict quality and safety standards to deliver NDIS services.

   • They can work with all NDIS participants, regardless of how their NDIS plan is managed.

   • If your plan is NDIA-managed, you can only use registered providers for your supports.

2. Non-Registered Providers:

   • These providers are not officially approved by the NDIA, which means they haven't gone through the same registration process but can still offer services.

   • They may have more flexibility in their pricing and services.

   • If your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you can choose to use non-registered providers for your supports, giving you more options.

The choice between registered and non-registered providers often comes down to the management of your NDIS plan and your preferences for service quality and flexibility.

A Local Area Coordinator (LAC) is a key support person who helps individuals navigate the NDIS system. They work for partner organizations of the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and serve as a bridge between the NDIS and participants. Their main responsibilities include:

1.     Helping with NDIS Access: LACs assist people in understanding the NDIS and determining their eligibility for the scheme.

2.     Developing NDIS Plans: They help participants create their personalized NDIS plans by discussing goals, needs, and available supports.

3.     Implementing NDIS Plans: LACs assist in finding appropriate service providers and making sure participants are accessing the supports outlined in their plan.

4.     Community Connection: They help participants engage with community services and activities, supporting social inclusion and independence.

5.     Plan Reviews and Updates: LACs can assist with plan reviews, ensuring the participant’s supports evolve as their needs change.

LACs are essential in providing practical support to help individuals get the most out of the NDIS, even if they aren’t directly managing funds.

After a participant receives funding and has their NDIS plan in place, the next step is to implement the plan. Here’s a breakdown of what happens next:

1. Understand the Plan:

   • Review the NDIS plan carefully to understand the goals, funding categories, and how the supports are structured.

   • If needed, participants can ask their Local Area Coordinator (LAC), Support Coordinator, or NDIS planner to explain how to use the funding and the specific supports available.

2. Choose Service Providers:

   • Participants will select service providers who can deliver the supports outlined in the plan. Depending on how the plan is managed, participants can choose from registered or non-registered providers.

   • If they are unsure, participants can get assistance from a Support Coordinator or their LAC to find and connect with providers.

3. Book and Arrange Services:

   • Contact the selected service providers to start arranging services such as therapies, support workers, equipment, or home modifications.

   • Participants may also need to sign service agreements with the providers to formalize the support they will receive.

4. Manage the Funding:

   • Depending on how the NDIS plan is managed (self-managed, plan-managed, or NDIA-managed), the participant will need to monitor their funding and make sure it is used appropriately.

   • In self-managed plans, the participant directly manages the funds, paying providers themselves.

   • In plan-managed plans, a Plan Manager helps manage payments and keeps track of the budget.

   • In NDIA-managed plans, the NDIA handles payments to providers directly.

5. Track Progress:

   • Participants should regularly check how their supports are helping them achieve their goals. Keeping track of progress ensures they’re making the best use of their plan.

6. Plan Review:

   • NDIS plans are reviewed regularly (typically once a year) to adjust for changes in a participant’s needs or goals. Participants can request an early review if their situation changes significantly before the next scheduled review.

By following these steps, participants can begin receiving and benefiting from the supports outlined in their NDIS plan.

Phone 1800 800 110

Email enquiries@ndis.gov.au

Visit www.ndis.gov.au for Web Chat