What is the NDIS?

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The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) https://www.ndis.gov.au has been developed to improve choice and create better outcomes for people with a disability. You’ll receive a plan from the NDIA which is based upon the goals you’ll set for yourself. Funding is provided, and you’re free to choose from any registered NDIS provider.

Any goal which is considered reasonable and fair will be funded by the government. This can include support services to go about your daily life, as well as for goals such as learning to drive, learning to cook or creating independence in the community.

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Who is eligible for care through the NDIS?

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The NDIS will provide funding to people who are 7-64 years of age, who have a significant or permanent disability and who need help with everyday activities. This includes people whose disability is attributed to intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, or physical impairment, or a psychiatric condition.

Who decides on my ‘reasonable and necessary’ care?

NDIA staff will make decisions based on the National Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (NDIS Act) and the rules made under the NDIS Act. When NDIA staff members make decisions about which supports would be reasonable and necessary for a particular participant, they refer to the particular operational guideline that relates to each specific support. In order to be considered reasonable and necessary, a support must:

• Be related to the participant’s disability

• Not include day-to-day living costs that are not related to a participant’s disability support needs

• Be likely to be effective and beneficial to the participant, and

• Take into account informal supports given to participants by families, carers, networks, and the community.

   

Are there any services and supports that will not be funded under the NDIS?

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Supports that will not be funded include those: 

• Which may cause harm to the person or others.

• That is not related to the person’s disability.

• That duplicate supports received through other funding.

• Are day-to-day living expenses (rent, food, household bills etc.)

• Are related to income replacement.

• Are medical or clinical services.