What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a new way of providing Australians under 65 who have a permanent and/or significant disability, with funding to receive the necessary care and supports to achieve their goals. It’s one of the biggest changes people living with disability have experienced in a long time. By 2020, the complete rollout of the NDIS will touch the lives of more than 460,000 Australians nationwide.

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a new way of providing Australians under 65 who have a permanent and/or significant disability, with funding to receive the necessary care and supports to achieve their goals. It’s one of the biggest changes people living with disability have experienced in a long time. By 2020, the complete rollout of the NDIS will touch the lives of more than 460,000 Australians nationwide.

What does it mean for me?

The NDIS aims to give you more choice and control by providing funding directly to you. The amount of funding you receive is based on your disability needs, not your income and capital. If you’re receiving income support, such as Disability Support Pension and Carers Allowance, being on the NDIS will NOT have any impact.

We understand you may feel apprehensive about this new approach to disability support, but rest assured we’re here to help you throughout your NDIS journey. Scroll down and see our step by step guide to get you started. Click here for a step-by-step guide to getting you started.

Prefer to speak to our consultants?
Call us on 1300 422 111 or fill out our enquiry form to request a call back.

How the NDIS works

To help you navigate the process with ease, here’s a step-by-step guide to access the NDIS ensuring you achieve your goals.

Check whether you’re eligible for NDIS funding. Click here to find out.
If eligible, apply for NDIS over the phone or by submitting a form.
You will be assigned a Local Area Coordinator who will work with you to develop your individual plan based on what you’d like to achieve, how you will achieve it and how you will be supported.
Once it is approved by the NDIS, you will receive your plan through the NDIS online portal (myplace) and notified in person or by mail.
You and your Local Area Coordinator will use myplace, NDIS local advertising or recommendations to choose the right NDIS provider for you. Please note: You can have several different NDIS providers for your different funded supports.
Choose the right NDIS provider for you and set up a Service Agreement to outline how you will work together. At HCA Home, we come to you and work together to create a personalised support plan and help you get the most out of your NDIS plan.
Start receiving your services and supports using your NDIS plan. At HCA Home, we have regular reviews with you to ensure you’re on track to meet your goals and offer free detailed progress updates to your family and carers upon request.
Review your NDIS plan to continue service.

If you join HCA Home, we offer free assistance with your NDIS plan review.

Am I eligible for the NDIS?

Here are 5 questions to help you determine whether you can apply for the NDIS. This is simply a guide as the final decision is made by the NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) who consider whether the NDIS is in your area and the nature of your disability.

Are you aged between 7 and 65?
Do you live in Australia and have Australian residency as an Australian Citizen or have a Permanent or Special Category Visa?
Do you usually need support from a person because of a permanent and significant disability?
Do you use special equipment because of a permanent and significant disability?
Do you need some supports now to reduce your future needs?

If you answered ‘Yes’ to all 5 questions, you may be eligible. Find out how to apply below.

Still uncertain if you can apply for the NDIS?
Contact NDIS by calling 1800 800 110, email enquiries@ndis.gov.au or visit the NDIS website for more information.

How do I apply?

If you meet the eligibility criteria, there are two ways you can apply for NDIS funding. You can either call NDIA on 1800 800 110 to make a Verbal Access Request (VAR) or fill out a paper Access Request Form (ARF).

What documentation is required?
1. Completed Access Request Form (ARF) – ask your Local Area Coordinator, Early Childhood Early Intervention partner (if your child is under 7), your local NDIA office or call NDIA 1800 800 110 to receive a form.

Age and residency evidence – Tip: If you’re registered for Centrelink, you can give the NDIA consent to use your Centrelink record.
Disability evidence and how it impacts your everyday life – Tip: Ask your healthcare professional to complete Part F of ARF or an NDIA Supporting Evidence form.
Any existing reports or assessments.

A thing to remember…

When NDIS participants turn 65, they have the option to stay in the scheme or apply to receive support through aged care services.

How HCA Home can support me?

At HCA Home, we’re person-centered in every way so we can offer you quality, tailored, in-home support services when you need it. We offer a wide range of services to help you live a full and independent life, including:

Find out what makes HCA Home a great provider and our point of difference from other service providers in the market. Click here to find out how HCA Home can help you reach your goals.

Everyone’s circumstances are different, so if you prefer to discuss your personal needs and have your questions answered in private, contact our friendly consultants today via our enquiry form or call us on 1300 422 111.

How does NDIS funding work?

All prices for NDIS services are developed by the NDIA and updated on an annual basis, effective on the 1st of July each year. You can download the 2018/19 price guides below.

If you’ve already registered for your NDIS plan and want to find out how we can maximise your funding so you receive quality services for longer, contact us via our enquiry form or call us on 1300 422 111.