Frequently Asked Questions: Your Questions Answered
Empowrd • October 18, 2019
Understanding the NDIS: Your Questions Answered
Navigating the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the process. Understanding your eligibility, funding options, and the types of supports available is key to making the most of your NDIS plan.
To help you feel more confident about the scheme, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the NDIS, covering everything from eligibility and plan management to funding categories and provider options.
How am I eligible for the NDIS?
To be eligible for the NDIS, you must:
- Have a permanent disability that significantly affects your ability to take part in everyday activities.
- Be under 65 years old.
- Be an Australian citizen, or hold a permanent visa.
- Reside in Australia.
The NDIA decides who can access the NDIS based on eligibility criteria and the information you provide.
For more details, visit: NDIS Eligibility.
How do I apply for the NDIS?
To apply for the NDIS, you need to:
- Complete an Access Request Form. You can do this by calling the NDIS on 1800 800 110 or visiting the NDIS website.
- Provide evidence of your disability – This may include reports from your GP, specialist, or allied health professionals.
- Submit your application – Once the form and supporting documents are submitted, the NDIA will assess your eligibility and notify you of the outcome.
If you need help with the application, you can contact your Local Area Coordinator (LAC), GP, specialist, or NDIA office.
What is the difference between Support Coordination and Plan Management?
Plan Management: This involves managing the financial aspects of your plan, such as paying invoices and tracking your budget on your behalf.
Support Coordination: A Support Coordinator helps you implement your plan, connect with service providers, and set up essential supports and services.
How can my plan have funding for Support Coordination?
Support Coordination is a stated support, which will be listed explicitly under your Capacity Building Supports budget. This funding is unavailable if you do not see it included in your plan.
Where can I get help if my plan does not include Support Coordination funding?
If your plan does not have Support Coordination, you can seek assistance from a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) in your region. LACs help participants connect with providers and understand their plan. Find LAC locations here: NDIS Locations.
What supports and services does the NDIS fund?
The NDIS funds a range of supports, including:
- Core Supports: Assistance with daily life, consumables, transport, and community participation.
- Capacity Building Supports: Skill development, therapy, employment support, and health and wellbeing programs.
- Capital Supports: Assistive technology, home modifications, and specialised equipment.
The
NDIS does not
fund medical treatments, medications, or general living expenses unrelated to a participant’s disability.
What does the ‘Core Supports Budget’ mean?
The Core Supports Budget helps you with everyday activities, disability-related needs, and achieving your goals. This budget is flexible, meaning you can allocate funding across the following categories:
- Assistance with Daily Life – Support for personal care and household tasks.
- Consumables – Everyday disability-related products like continence aids.
- Assistance with Social & Community Participation – Funding supports social engagement and skill-building activities.
- Transport – Helps you access community activities, work, and services.
What does the ‘Capacity Building Supports’ budget mean?
Capacity Building Supports help develop independence and long-term skills. Unlike Core Supports, this budget is not flexible, meaning funds must be used within their designated category. Categories include:
- Support Coordination – Helps you implement and manage your plan.
- Improved Life Choices – Provides funding for Plan Management services.
- Improved Daily Living – Therapy and training to improve skills.
- Increased Social & Community Participation – Programs for social engagement.
- Finding & Keeping a Job – Employment-related supports.
- Improved Relationships – Supports for social skills and behavior.
- Improved Health and Wellbeing – Supports for physical and mental well-being.
Can I use non-registered providers with my NDIS funding?
Yes, you can use non-registered providers you can use non-registered providers if your plan is self-managed or plan-managed. However, if your plan is NDIA-managed, you must use NDIS-registered providers.
When I get my plan, will the money be paid into my bank account?
No, NDIS funding is not deposited into your personal bank account. Instead, funds are held by the NDIS and are available to pay for approved supports. You can manage and track your funding through the MyGov NDIS Portal.
What should I do if I’m not happy with my NDIS plan or services?
If you’re dissatisfied with your NDIS plan or services, you can:
- Contact your provider – Discuss your concerns directly with your service provider.
- Reach out to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission – They handle complaints about NDIS services and supports.
- Request a plan review – If your plan no longer meets your needs, you can request a review from the NDIA.
For more information, visit the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission.
Final Thoughts
The NDIS can be valuable in providing support and services tailored to your needs. Understanding how it works, what it funds, and how to access the right supports will help you get the most out of your plan.
Based in Port Lincoln, Empowrd specialise in NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination, helping participants manage their funding, connect with trusted service providers, and maximise the benefits of their NDIS plans. Understanding how the NDIS works, what it funds, and how to access the right supports will help you get the most out of your plan.
If you need help managing your NDIS funding, understanding your options, or connecting with the right services, Empowrd is here to assist. Call (08) 8683 4401 or visit our website to find out more.
NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination
At Empowrd, we are here to make your life easier. Based in Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula, we offer a personal, accessible and holistic approach to NDIS Plan Management and Support Coordination.
We provide Plan Management services across Australia, assisting with financial administration, and offer Support Coordination to participants in Port Lincoln and Eyre Peninsula, connecting them with the right supports and providers. Our goal is to ensure your NDIS plan works for you, so you can focus on achieving your goals and doing what you love.
Want to Become a Support Worker?
Our Independent Support Workers Education Portal provides everything you need to navigate the NDIS, find work, and confidently offer services as an Independent Support Worker. For just $65, you will gain access to comprehensive guides, essential resources, and ready-to-use templates to streamline your work.
Inside, you will find:
- A clear breakdown of how the NDIS works
- Tips for finding jobs and delivering services
- Step-by-step guidance on invoicing and support planning
- Ready-to-edit templates for quotes, service agreements, invoices, and case notes
Need just the templates? You can also purchase them separately as standalone resources.
I hope you enjoy reading this blog post.
If you are ready to be Empowrd to live your life to the fullest, let us steer you on the right path.
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