FAQs

To be eligible for the NDIS, you need to have a permanent disability that limits your ability to perform tasks or participate in activities without assistance. This disability should also impact your social and economic participation, and it should be likely that you will require lifelong support under the NDIS. Additionally, you must meet the following criteria: be an Australian citizen, hold a permanent visa or Protected Special Category Visa, and be under the age of 65. For more information on NDIS eligibility, you can refer to the NDIS Access Checklist provided at https://www.ndis.gov.au/ndis-access-checklist.

The NDIS provides coverage for a diverse range of disability supports, services, and equipment that are considered reasonable and necessary. These encompass various areas such as therapies, behaviour support, transportation assistance, in-home support, education, living arrangements, modifications to homes and vehicles, communication assistive technology, mobility aids, community participation activities, personal care assistance, funding for training and events, as well as support for gaining and maintaining employment.

The supports provided by the NDIS are designed to help individuals achieve their goals, enhance and sustain their independence, develop essential skills for everyday life, facilitate community engagement, and promote employment opportunities and participation in the workforce.

The NDIS does not cover support that:
- Is unrelated to the person's disability
- Duplicates another support in their plan
- Includes normal daily living expenses (e.g., rent, groceries)
- Is better addressed by another support system (e.g., healthcare)
- Poses harm or risk to the participant or others
- Is related to income replacement
- Covers gym or club memberships, except for approved exercise physiologists
- Includes the cost of medications (typically covered by healthcare)

The choice of how to manage the coordination of your services and support is entirely yours. You have the option to self-manage the coordination or request assistance from an agency, such as Compassionate Connection Care, to coordinate your support on your behalf. In the latter case, the agency will help identify the most suitable services and supports for your needs and connect you with relevant providers. If you opt for support coordination, your assigned support coordinator, such as Compassionate Connection Care, will also assist you in understanding your plan, addressing any issues that may arise, and navigating the review process.

It's important to note that if you prefer not to self-manage and want assistance with coordination, you must specifically request this in your NDIS plan. This ensures that the necessary supports and resources are allocated to support coordination as part of your overall plan.

The NDIS is designed to be person-focused, allowing you the flexibility to select the service provider that best meets your specific needs. While some providers specialize in specific areas such as in-home support, occupational therapy, or employment skills, there are also providers like Interchange Outer East that offer a wider range of tailored services and supports while ensuring continuity of care and personalized service. If you are not satisfied with your current service provider, you have the option to switch to another provider at any time.

Funding received from the NDIS is not means tested, meaning it is not based on your income or assets. Additionally, NDIS funding does not affect income support payments such as the Disability Support Pension and Carer's Allowance. These income support payments are separate from the NDIS and are not impacted by the funding you receive from the scheme.

The core support budget provided by the NDIS is flexible and encompasses four categories of support:

1. Consumables: This category covers the purchase of everyday items like continence aids and other necessary supplies.

2. Daily Activities: This includes assistance with self-care activities throughout the day or evening.

3. Assistance with Social and Community Participation: This category supports your engagement in social or recreational activities and facilitates community participation.

4. Transport: If your disability prevents you from using public transport, this category covers support for transportation.

In general, you can utilize funds allocated to one support category within another category, unless specific funds have been designated for a particular purpose. This flexibility allows you to allocate your core budget funds based on your individual needs and preferences.

Prior to receiving services from a provider, it is important to establish a written service agreement. This agreement outlines the details of how and when your supports will be delivered, as well as the terms of payment. If you have a support coordinator, it is advisable to seek their assistance in negotiating the service agreements on your behalf. They can provide guidance and support to ensure that the terms of the agreement align with your needs and preferences.

If you come across any obvious errors or incorrect information in your NDIS plan, you have the option to contact the NDIS Help Line, reach out to your planner, or speak with your local area coordinator (LAC) to address and rectify the errors.

Typically, your NDIS plan will undergo an annual review to assess how well it is meeting your current and future needs and goals. However, if there has been a change in your circumstances or needs and you require an early review, you can complete the NDIS review form or contact the NDIS Help Line to initiate the process. This allows for adjustments to be made to your plan in a timely manner to ensure it aligns with your updated requirements.