A Guide To NDIS Applications + What To Do If It’s Unsuccessful
Written by: Amy Osborne | Plan Management
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a hot topic at the moment and despite the negativity that surrounds the scheme in the media, there is plenty of good that comes out of the NDIS. Since its inception in 2013 to a complete rollout in 2020 there have been roughly 534,655 (2022 figure) participants receiving funds which assists those with disabilities to accomplish lifelong goals, complete daily activities, develop new skills, improve their quality of life, and live a full and independent life.
But what steps do you need to take to apply for NDIS funding?
Eligibility For NDIS Funds
Not everyone will be eligible for NDIS funding as the guidelines are quite strict, but if you have a disability that requires support to access the community, to accomplish daily household duties, or to live with a mental health condition, you just might be eligible.
There are a few boxes that need to be ticked before you can apply for NDIS Funding. So, let’s have a look at what criteria are necessary to be a participant with NDIS Funding:
- Age Requirements: are you between the ages of 9 and 65?
- Residence Requirements: are you an Australian citizen, permanent resident or Protected Special Category Visa holder?
- Living Arrangements: do you reside in Australia?
- Disability Requirements: do you have a disability caused by a permanent impairment? The impairment may be intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical or psychological.
- Do you require disability-specific support to complete daily activities?
- Do you require some supports now to reduce the need for supports in the future?
- Do you require some support now for your family to build their skills to help you?
If you were able to answer YES to these questions, then you might be eligible for NDIS Funding.
Alternatively, you can go directly to the NDIS Website to view the criteria.
What + How To Prepare For An NDIS Application
The first step is to either download or print off the Access Request Form from the NDIS website and have a thorough read-through to see what documents you already have versus what documents you still need to acquire.
It’s a 28-page form that will require a lot of information, such as:
- Your personal details;
- Overview of your disability;
- Overview of your disability, including proof of your disability provided by treating doctors (evidence of reports); and
- Evidence of your functional capacity and how your disability affects your everyday activities.
The treating doctor will be required to make a declaration on the form regarding your disability as well. You will also be required to submit proof of identity, via birth certificate or driver’s license and proof of residency.
The NDIS asks for supportive documentation from treating doctors, specialists or allied health professionals that you have worked for over six months. The treating physician must be qualified and registered in their area of practice with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency or relevant professional authority. It is extremely important to gather the proper information and ensure it is thorough as this is what the NDIS will be basing their decision on if you’re eligible for funding or not. These documents will need to be submitted with your application.
There are Local Area Coordinators, or LACs who are employed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme that can assist in the application process. If there is not an NDIS Partner nearby, you can reach out on 1800 800 110 to enquire about assistance with an application.
Making An NDIS Application
Once you have gathered all your supportive information and you are satisfied that all the I’s are dotted and the T’s are crossed, it’s time to submit your Access Request Form and documentation. Make sure you have backup copies of everything before submitting to keep for you personal records.
You can lodge your Access Request Form including your supporting evidential documents to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) via online, or by contacting the local NDIA office on 1800 800 110 to get in touch with an LAC to assist with lodgement.
The National Disability Insurance Agency advises that it can take up to 21 days to contact a potential participant. They will notify you that you are either qualified, that they require more information, or you have been declined.
When you are accepted as an NDIS Participant, a Planning Meeting will be held to discuss your goals and desired outcomes.
According to the NDIA website, once you have been approved, it can take up to seven days to set up a Planning Meeting and then up to 56 days to have your NDIS Plan approved. The NDIA have been experiencing delays; therefore, these times can take longer.
At the Planning Meeting, which is where the NDIS Participants request what services they would like to access, it’s important to be extremely clear and articulate your needs precisely. The Planner needs to have a clear understanding of your disability to ensure that the NDIS Plan will meet all desired outcomes.
If you need more information for when you’re lodging an NDIS Application, jump over to the NDIS Website.
What To Do If Your NDIS Application Is Unsuccessful
If your application was rejected, it’s important to understand that there are steps you can take to seek clarity and then re-submit your application.
When you receive your rejections notification, read the explanation thoroughly to see if you have met all the criteria; perhaps some documentation was missing, or maybe the documentation was not completed thoroughly enough, or perhaps the National Disability Insurance Agency would like more evidence.
If your situation has changed and perhaps you require a different type of support, it’s imperative that this is documented and submitted. If you believe the decision was incorrect, you can request an internal review by the NDIS, but please note this needs to be lodged within 28 days of your rejection notice.
If you would like more information if you’re application was unsuccessful, you can jump over to the NDIS Website.
Still unhappy with your NDIS Plan? Check out this previous blog we put together: What Do I Do If I’m Unhappy With My NDIS Plan?
Canny Plan Management + Navigating The National Disability Insurance Scheme
If you are found to not be eligible for National Disability Insurance Scheme Funding, there is a wide range of support found in the greater community.
On the NDIS website there are linked to services that might be suitable for you; First Peoples Disability Network Australia, National Disability Advocacy Program or Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association. It’s called: Support For People Who Are Not Eligible.
Here at Canny Plan Management, we handle the stress for you.
NDIS Plan Management is the only NDIS services provided by Canny Plan Management so there is no conflict of interest with any NDIS Supports. We work for our clients and like to see ourselves as part of their support network and ensure our clients can make the most informed decisions regarding the NDIS.
Get in touch with our team today, to see how we can help you with your NDIS journey!
Disclaimer: Canny Plan Management are experts in managing NDIS Plans with their NDIS Participants. Whilst it is not the role of an NDIS Plan Manager to assist with making NDIS applications Canny Plan Management can help you to locate the right information and documents on the NDIS website you will need. Please refer to this article only as a reference and seek further clarity from the National Disability Insurance Agency or your Local Area Coordination Partner.
