FAQs

The NDIS is a national no fault insurance scheme designed to change the way that disability services are delivered in Australia. It aims to do this by:

• recognising that disability related support is an entitlement
• acknowledging the right of all people to an ‘ordinary life’
• matching funding to the support needed and placing control over the funding with the person and their support network
• ensuring that providers discuss the service they will deliver with the person who will receive it through negotiation of individual service agreements
• supporting a social model of disability support where the community sector contributes to support as they do for all community members, and
• facilitating choice of provider in an open market.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will be responsible for the running of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. This is a national body that is part of the federal government, funded by the Department of Social Services (DSS).

To access the NDIS you must:

• Live in an area where NDIS is active
• Have a permanent disability that:
  • Without support your ability to participate effectively in activities, or perform tasks or actions is reduced
  • your capacity for social and economic participation is affected
  • you are likely to require lifelong support under the NDI

You must also:

• • be an Australian citizen, or
  • hold a permanent visa, or Protected Special Category Visa, and
  • be aged under 65.

Check out the NDIS Access Checklist https://www.ndis.gov.au/ndis-access-checklist

There will be a progressive rollout of the NDIS in Melbourne’s east from November 2017. Some people in this region will be contacted earlier than this for early completion of their plan due to the nature of their needs. This is known as early rollout. By 1 July 2019 all eligible residents across Australia will be covered.

No, but being registered and having a plan with DRS is beneficial as the DSR planning process will help to prepare you for your NDIS plan.

The NDIS covers a wide range of disability supports, services and equipment. These can include therapies, behaviour support, transport assistance, support in the home, education, living arrangements, home and vehicle modifications, communication assistive technology, mobility equipment, community participation activities, daily personal care assistance, funding to attend training and events, and support in gaining and maintaining employment.

Supports that can be covered by the NDIS go hand-in-hand with what has been approved in your plan and must assist with:

• Achieving your goals
• Increasing and maintaining independence
• Developing necessary skills for everyday life, etc.
• Facilitating participation in your community
• Gaining employment and working

The NDIS does not provide funding for support if it is:

• Not related to a person’s disability
• A duplicate of another support within a participants personal support plan
• Related to daily living expenses not tied to a participants disability (e.g. rent, groceries)
• Better addressed through an alternative support system (e.g. healthcare system)
• Likely to cause harm to a participant or pose a risk to others
• Related to income replacement.

Some other supports that may not be covered by NDIS are:

• Mileage allowances for workers.
• Gym membership and personal training. Exercise physiologists may be approved with justification.
• Medications. If you have a high cost medication that is currently covered, it is likely to be carried onto your first plan. Funding for medications not on the PBS may be considered.

You can, but you don’t have to. You can choose to self manage, to have your plan managed by a registered agency, such as Interchange Outer East, or the NDIA can manage your plan on your behalf. You can also choose a combination of these three options.

Assistance from the NDIS is not means tested and has no impact on income support such as the Disability Support Pension and Carers Allowance.

- Home Modifications

-Building Surveyor

-Builder

-Building Work Project Manager

-Building Work Supervisor

-Carpenter / Joiner

-Electrician

-Plumber / Gas Fitter / Drainer

-Tiler

-Assist Prod-Pers Care/Safety

-Community Nursing Care

-Registered Nurse