Helping NDIS Participants
Our vision at Caring Australia is to empower people through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), which empowers Australians with disabilities to enjoy more independence, choice, and quality of life
The National Disability Insurance Scheme
The NDIS, or National Disability Insurance Scheme Australia, is an innovative program that aims to offer individualized support and care to Australians with disabilities. Launched officially after the passage of the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act in 2013, the NDIS is a groundbreaking shift, providing individuals with disabilities the ability to live independently, acquire essential skills, and actively participate in their communities.
Why was the NDIS introduced?
Australia’s disability services were once disorganised and uneven. To address this, the NDIS was introduced. It established a systematic approach, focused on empowering individuals. This involved personalized support, quality and safety through uniform guidelines, individualised funding, and equal access nationwide. Ultimately, the NDIS transformed disability support by prioritising individual needs.
What Assistance Can You Get through the NDIS?
The NDIS provides Australians with tailored care across three key areas: core supports for daily living assistance, capacity building supports for skill development and independence, and capital supports for home modifications and assistive technology. These integrated supports work together to enhance health, well-being, and empower individuals to achieve greater independence.
Unlock Your Potential with NDIS Support
At Caring Australia, we don’t just offer standard support—we aim to unlock your full potential through personalized care and constant encouragement. Our highly trained staff assist you in clearly understanding how NDIS funding works, which helps to establish a support package specifically customized to your goals.
Who is eligible for the NDIS?
We answer overall questions in clear terms to facilitate your better understanding:
What is NDIA
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is an independent government agency responsible for implementing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). The NDIA works directly with people with disabilities and their families to create personalised plans and provide funded supports.
What is NDIS?
The NDIS is an Australian Government scheme that provides support to Australians with disability, their families, and carers. It provides Australians with disability, who are under 65 years of age, with the supports they need to live an ordinary life.
Who is eligible to access NIDS?
To be eligible, you must be an Australian citizen, living in Australia, or hold a permanent visa, and:
- Have a permanent disability that significantly impacts your ability to participate in everyday activities.
- Be under 65 years of age when you first access the NDIS.
How do I register to recieve funding under the NDIS?
You can call the NDIA on 1800 800 110 to determine your eligibility. Alternatively, you can check your eligibility using the Eligibility Checklist. If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent forms to complete and return to the NDIA, who will then process your application.
If your application is successful, you’ll need to attend a planning meeting with an NDIA representative. They’ll use information about your existing disability supports to develop your plan. Your NDIS plan is a document that outlines your needs, goals, aspirations, and the disability supports you require, including any funding you might receive.
What kinds of support can be funded under the NDIS?
The NDIS will fund core supports for everyday living, capacity building supports to enhance skills and independence, and capital supports to improve access and independence. This is detailed in your NDIS plan.
The types of supports the NDIS may fund include:
- Transport to enable participation in community, social, economic, and daily life activities.
- Workplace assistance to help a participant gain and maintain employment or supported employment.
- Therapeutic supports, including behaviour support.
- Assistance with household tasks to help you maintain your home environment.
- Support from staff skilled in aids or equipment assessment, setup, and training.
- Home modification design and installation.
- Mobility equipment.
- Vehicle modifications.
How long does a plan last?
Each plan is developed with you to cover supports for up to 12 months. However, if significant changes to a plan are needed, due to a change in your situation, health conditions, or if you need more time to explore support options, the timing of a new plan can be brought forward or extended.
When will I receive funding?
You will begin to receive NDIS funding once your plan is approved.
How do I manage my plan and funding?
Managing your NDIS plan and funds involves making payments to providers, processing expense claims, invoicing, and generating monthly reports. You can choose from five ways to manage your plan and funds:
- NDIA Managed: Your chosen service provider can claim payments directly from the NDIA for the services they provide to you.
- Plan Managed: You can appoint an NDIA Registered Plan Manager to handle the transaction and purchasing process for your services.
- Self-Managed: You or your nominated person can directly manage the funds, taking responsibility for transactions with your service providers.
- Automated Payments: Automated payments are only available for transport services. Funds can be deposited into an NDIS bank account weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.
- Combination: You can use a combination of the four options above.
The NDIA can provide advice on using your funding and accessing your chosen services. You can also contact Caring Australia for advice and support.
Can Caring Australia help?
Yes. Caring Australia offers individually tailored and flexible services to support the needs of people with disability, including those transitioning to an NDIS plan.
We can offer you:
- Individualised services tailored to your specific needs.
- Expertise in providing a wide range of services.
- Access to experienced staff who are reliable and responsive.
- The benefits of our focus on inclusion and ensuring active community participation and interactions.
- Flexibility in service delivery to meet your specific requirements.
- Supports that focus on delivering results and helping you achieve your goals.
Will I still need to pay rent and utilty costs such as electricity, gas and phone costs?
Yes. The NDIS does not cover these costs.
Will the NDIS impact my disability support pension?
No. The NDIS will not replace the Disability Support Pension. The NDIS is a separate national fund established to finance your reasonable and necessary support needs, as well as associated aids and equipment. The NDIS is not means-tested, so anyone who is eligible can apply for assistance, regardless of their Disability Support Pension or personal income level.
Will the NDIS impact my mobility pension?
Yes. The NDIS will fund the Mobility Allowance, so it’s important that your NDIS Plan includes funding for transport that you previously received as an allowance from Centrelink. When you transition to the NDIS and your NDIS Plan is finalised, Centrelink will stop providing your Mobility Allowance.
The NDIA will contact Centrelink on your behalf to confirm if you’re receiving the Mobility Allowance. Your ongoing transport supports will then be discussed during your NDIS planning process.
What should I do if I want to move?
Contact your Support Coordinator or the NDIA directly and request a plan review meeting due to a change of circumstances. The NDIA will schedule a time to meet with you. During this meeting, be sure to inform the planner that your primary goal is to find alternative accommodation.
Once your plan has been approved, ask your Support Coordinator to confirm your eligibility for Supported Independent Living (SIL) and, if required, Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) with the NDIA.
Get in Touch
We’re here to assist you with your inquiries.