UNDERSTANDING NDIS
If you’re new to the NDIS scheme you probably have a bunch of questions. You’re not alone! This is why we’ve pulled together this handy page to break down all the info you need to know.
WHAT IS THE NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government initiative helping people with permanent or significant disabilities. This means you’ll be able to receive funding to pay for the care and support you need to live your life. Compared to the Disability Services Queensland (DSQ) funding, the NDIS gives you greater choice and control over the provider who will be providing your care, as well as how you want to be cared for.
HOW DOES THE NDIS WORK?
You can use the funding for things like accommodation, employment, personal activities, and more. Of course, there’s certain criteria you’ll need to tick. If you’re eligible, a NDIS representative will meet with you to create a plan that considers things like how you manage everyday activities, your goals, and the support you need. This plan will also help you choose the right type of providers for your care needs.
For the latest eligibility criteria and application form, please visit the official NDIS site.
We’re a proud registered NDIS provider helping people with all kinds of abilities.
WHERE DOES GREAT MATES COME IN?
Great question! We provide personalised support for every journey, no matter where you are at – and you can pay for it using your NDIS funding. With us, you’ll be able to choose the care you want that aligns with your needs, interests and lifestyle. Together, we’ll make a plan to help you live your best life and touch base regularly to make sure you’re moving along nicely towards your goals (and most importantly, that everyone is happy).
FAQ
What is an NDIS plan?
Your NDIS plan is a document that lists the disability supports and services you require to meet your needs and achieve your goals. Your plan will also include information about your funded support. That section will tell you what funding you’ve been allocated across the support categories and what the funding is for. Your NDIS plan is tailored specifically to you, and it will change over time as your needs do, so you’ll always have a plan that works for your life.
What’s the difference between the NDIA and the NDIS?
You’ve probably heard both terms used a lot, and they are related to each other, so it can quickly get confusing! The NDIA (which stands for the National Disability Insurance Agency) is responsible for implementing the NDIS (the National Disability Insurance Scheme). The NDIS is the system that provides the funding for disability supports, so that’s why you’ll have more to do with officers from the NDIS.
How do I prepare for my NDIS planning meeting?
The NDIS has a booklet (Booklet 2 — Planning) on their website, which you should fill out and bring along to your meeting. It can seem overwhelming to answer many questions, but every answer you can provide helps create an NDIS plan that works best for you. You’ll also need to bring some documents with you, like proof of identity, bank account details and any NDIS paperwork you already have. Your NDIA planner will ask you about you and your life during your meeting, so be prepared to answer questions about:
- your current living situation
- the kind of transport you use to get around
- your employment status
- your education
- your hobbies and interests.
The NDIS uses words like ‘reasonable’ and ‘necessary’ a lot. What does that mean?
“Reasonable” and “necessary” are part of the funding criteria for the NDIS —that’s why you’ll hear them a lot in your planning meeting! The aim of your NDIS plan is to provide you with the reasonable and necessary support to help you live an ordinary life. In order to be considered reasonable and necessary, a support or service:
- must be related to your disability
- must not include day-to-day living costs not related to your disability support needs, such as groceries
- should represent value for money
- must be likely to be effective and work for you, and
- should take into account support given to you by other government services, your family, carers, networks and the community.