A Step-by-Step Guide to Filing for NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme, or NDIS, is a program in Australia that offers support for those who are living with disabilities. This scheme helps people with disabilities achieve goals, establish independence, and improve their quality of life. If you are someone who qualifies for NDIS and you are looking to apply, read through this step-by-step guide on how to file correctly.

Verify Your Eligibility

In order to receive benefits from NDIS, you have to verify that you are eligible. There are three main areas of criteria that will ensure that you qualify.

Age

To be able to receive help from NDIS, you must be under 65 years of age at the time of the application. This is because there is another benefits progam in Australia called the aged care system. If you start receiving NDIS services before you turn 65, you can decide after you reach that age if you want to switch to the aged care system.

Residency

NDIS is exclusively for citizens of Australia, those who have permanent residency in the country, or those who hold special visas that allow them to live in Australia for an extended period of time. To establish your residency in Australia, make sure to make copies of your birth certificate or any other ID to prove that you permanently live in Australia. 

Disability Requirements

Whether your disability is visible or not, you will have to present proof of your disability when filing for NDIS. one disability requirement is that your disability must be lifelong, meaning that it will not diminish and you will not recover from it, no matter how much time passes. There are many disabilities that fall under this category including cognitive, neurological, sensory, or physical disabilities. The disability must also be a hinderance to your ability to take care of yourself or perform regular daily tasks. If you have a disability that falls into this description, then NDIS can be a solution to many of your problems and can dramatically improve your day to day life. 

Gather Necessary Support Documents

Making sure that you properly file all of the documents in your application is essential for seedy results and avoiding having to re do anything. Check below for a list of necessary support documents you will need to complete your NDIS application.

Proof of Identity

Making copies of your birth certificate, passport, or any other kind of identification will help give proof of identity. These documents will verify your age and appearance and will be examined to make sure they information aligns with the information that you fill out in the application.

Proof of Residency

As stated above, proving that you are a resident of Australia is a requirement of receiving help from NDIS, so you will have to present visa documents, an Australian citizen certificate, or Medicare card depending on your situation.

Evidence of Disability

This is the area od documentation collection that may take the most time because you want to gather as much evidence as possible that relates to your disability. This may include medical reports, medical history, and charts. These documents should explain the nature of your disability, the cause, its affect on your ability to perform everyday tasks, and its permanence.

Make an Access Request

You need to make an access request in order to begint he process of filing for NDIS. this can be done by calling the NDIS phone number, visiting their website to download the application form, or visiting a local NDIS office. You can look up your local NDIS provider Brisbane or anywhere else in Australia, as it is important to always ask from help with this application process if you need it. If you visit a local NDIS office, you can receive assistance from the staff with all of the paperwork and they can walk you through everything you need to do.

Complete the Access Request Form

Before sitting down to fill out the Access Request Form, ensure you have all of the information you need to fill out the form correctly. Make a checklist of the items below and have them readily accessible to write down when filling out your form and gathering documents. 

Personal Information

Make sure to write down accurate personal information and use your full name on all documents. The personal information you will need are identification document numbers, contact information like your email and home number as well as your home address to confirm residency.

Disability Details

Whenever asked, always describe your disability in full detail and how it affects your daily life so that the staff at the NDIS office can verify your disability. You should also make a list of the kinds of services you would like to receive that would help you have a better quality of life. 

Supporting Documents

Remember to bring with you all of the supporting documents listed above so that you can submit everything al together. These documents will be an essential part of proving your needs.

Consent and Declaration

Don’t forget to sign the consent section at the end of the forms to allow NDIS to contact your healthcare providers for any questions and to confirm that all of the information that you filled out in the forms was correct. 

Submit the Access Request Form

You can submit your completed form online, through the mail, or in-person at your local NDIS office.

Receive Your NDIS Plan

Once your application is received, a planning meeting will be scheduled where you will discuss your NDIS plan. At this meeting, you can bring support person to help you talk through what you need and you can bring a list of daily needs as well as goals you have for improved quality of life. After the meeting, you will be set up with a personalized NDIS plan and the detailed plan will be sent to you.

Once your plan is received, you can start choosing providers, managing the funds allocated to your care, and making service agreements with your providers. As your plan is implemented you can monitor and review your services and change them as needed and according to your budget.

Follow these steps to have a fluid and stress-free NDIS application process and start improving your life.