If you’re a hopeful NDIS Participant or a family member of someone currently living with a disability, you might be wondering what the process is to make an NDIS application. Applying for and getting approved for NDIS funding is a big topic that can be both confusing and highly stressful. However, with some basic preparation and knowledge of the application process, you’ll have a better idea of how to approach the process of submitting an NDIS application.
In this guide, we go through the steps an NDIS participant will need to take to make a successful application for funding.
Step 1: Determine if You’re Eligible
Irrespective of your disability, there are a few fundamental requirements one must follow in order to be eligible to receive funding:
- Are you between the age of 7 and 65? If an applicant is below the age of 7, they will likely be first considered for Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI). This is a program to assist young children and identify what types of support why might need early, before being placed into the NDIS. For those over the age of 65, you’ll have to apply for funding through the Commonwealth Aged Care Program.
- Are you an Australian citizen, or do you hold either a Permanent Visa or are you a Protected Special Category Visa holder?
- Are you currently residing in Australia? NDIS funding is only available to people who live in Australia.
- Have you been affected by a permanent impairment that has caused a disability and is that disability making it difficult for you to complete daily life tasks?
- Are you looking to access support now to improve your ability to live an independent life in the future? And do you need support currently to provide your family with time to develop the skills to support you in the future?
If you’ve answered yes to these questions, then chances are you may be eligible to receive funding.
Step 2: Make a Verbal Application or Complete an Access Request Form
The NDIS provides two separate options for participants and their family members to submit an application. You can fill out an access request form. It will ask some basic questions about your background and contact details before asking questions about your disability. Some of the questions include:
- What is your disability and how does it affect your everyday life?
- If you were not born with this disability, what was the cause of your disability?
- What kind of evidence can you provide in the form of a diagnosis? Or perhaps referrals from your Doctor?
- What kind of treatments are you currently receiving? What was the success of those treatments?
There is also an extensive section for your treating professional to fill out so it’s important to mention to your GP if you’re going to be applying for NDIS funding so they can be fully prepared to answer the questions within the form.
Step 3: Gather Your Evidence
The NDIS will also require you to provide evidence of the following:
- Proof of your Australian Citizenship or permanent residency
- Proof you are currently residing in Australia
- Age
- Any supporting documentation of your disability. Ideally, this would be recent evidence from a health professional that has a history of providing treatment. The evidence will describe previous treatments and outcomes of that treatment as well as what types of future treatments will they approach in the future.
The evidence must be provided by a qualified health practitioner such as a GP, Neurologist, Psychiatrist, Physiotherapist etc.
Ask For Help
Applying for NDIS can be a daunting process and often it’s difficult to know where to start. If you’re looking for more information on how to check your eligibility, the team here at OSAN Ability Assist have put together a resource that will help you see if you’re eligible for funding. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us on 1300 799 941. Our team is happy to help assist you with developing your support plan and you have no obligation to receive any support from us.
