To be eligible for NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) funding, an individual must meet specific criteria related to age, residency, and disability. Here are the key eligibility requirements:

1. Age Requirement

• You must be under 65 years of age at the time of applying for NDIS support. If you are over 65, you may be eligible for support through other programs such as aged care services.

2. Residency Status

To be eligible, you must:

• Be an Australian citizen, or
• Hold a permanent visa, or
• Hold a Protected Special Category Visa (SCV). This applies to New Zealand citizens who were living in Australia on a Special Category Visa before 26 February 2001, or who have lived in Australia for a long period.

3. Disability Requirements

You must have a permanent and significant disability that:

• Substantially impacts your ability to participate in everyday activities.
• Requires support from others (e.g., personal care, help with daily tasks).
• Results in the need for assistive technology or home modifications (e.g., wheelchairs, communication devices).

The disability could be physical, sensory (such as vision or hearing impairment), intellectual, cognitive, or psychosocial (mental health-related).

4. Early Intervention Requirements

If you don’t have a permanent disability but can benefit from early intervention, you may still be eligible. This is particularly relevant if early intervention could:

• Reduce the future need for support.
• Delay or reduce the decline in functioning.

Early intervention is often applied to children or adults with conditions that, if treated early, could significantly improve their independence or quality of life.

5. Living in an NDIS-Area

You must live in an area where the NDIS is available. The NDIS has been rolled out across Australia, so this requirement is usually met as long as you reside in the country.

6. Functional Impact on Daily Life

The disability must have a significant impact on your ability to:

• Communicate effectively.
• Move around independently.
• Care for yourself (personal hygiene, dressing, etc.).
• Participate in social or community activities.
• Make decisions (in the case of intellectual or cognitive impairments).

The NDIS uses these criteria to assess whether individuals require support to live independently and participate in society.

How to Check Eligibility

You can check your eligibility by using the NDIS Access Checklist, available on the NDIS website. This tool will guide you through the eligibility requirements and help you understand if you may qualify for NDIS support.

NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) support lasts as long as an individual meets the eligibility criteria for the scheme. There is no fixed duration for NDIS support, and it can be provided for a lifetime, depending on the participant's needs. The duration of the support depends on several factors:

1. Eligibility: To qualify for NDIS, individuals must have a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability to participate in everyday activities. Once eligible, they remain a participant unless their circumstances change significantly.

2. Plan Reviews: NDIS participants receive individualized plans outlining their goals and the types of supports they will receive. These plans are typically reviewed every 12 months, but participants can request reviews sooner if their circumstances or needs change. During the review, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) may adjust the level of support based on the participant's evolving needs.

3. Ongoing Support: If the participant's disability is lifelong and their needs continue, they can receive ongoing support indefinitely through the NDIS. Supports can be adjusted based on their goals and any changes in their life.

In summary, NDIS support can last for as long as the individual remains eligible, and the level of support is adapted through regular plan reviews.

To find an NDIS-registered provider in your area, you can follow these steps:

1. NDIS Provider Finder on the NDIS Website:

• Visit the NDIS website.
• Use the NDIS Provider Finder tool. This allows you to search for registered providers based on your location and the type of support you need.
• Enter your postcode and select the relevant service category (e.g., personal care, therapy services, etc.).

  2. Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or Support Coordinator:

  • Local Area Coordinators (LACs) and Support Coordinators can help you find NDIS-registered providers.
  • LACs and Support Coordinators are part of your support network and can assist in connecting you with appropriate service providers based on your needs and preferences.

  3. Ask for Recommendations:

  • Reach out to other NDIS participants, community groups, or disability organizations in your area. They may have recommendations for NDIS-registered providers.

  4. NDIS Registered Provider Lists:

  • The NDIS website also provides downloadable lists of registered providers by state or territory. You can download the list and search through the providers based on your needs.

  Using these resources, you can identify suitable NDIS-registered providers who meet your specific requirements in your local area.

Applying for funding from the NDIS involves a series of steps to assess your eligibility and determine the types of support you need. Here’s a guide on how to apply for funding:

1. Check Eligibility

Before applying, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the NDIS. You must:

• Be under 65 years of age.
• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
• Have a permanent and significant disability that affects your ability to participate in daily activities.

You can use the NDIS Access Checklist on the NDIS website to see if you’re eligible.

2. Submit an Access Request Form

To begin the application process, you need to submit an Access Request Form. You can do this by:

• Calling the NDIS: Call the NDIS on 1800 800 110, and they can help you start your application over the phone.
• Requesting a Paper Form: You can request a paper Access Request Form, which will be sent to you. Once completed, you can mail it back to the NDIS.
• With the Help of an LAC or ECEI Partner: You can also seek assistance from a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or an Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) partner. They can help you complete and submit the form.

3. Provide Supporting Information

You’ll need to provide evidence of your disability and how it impacts your daily life. This may include:

• Medical reports or assessments from doctors or specialists.
• Reports from allied health professionals (e.g., occupational therapists, physiotherapists).
• A functional assessment detailing how your disability affects your daily activities.

The more detailed and relevant the evidence, the easier it will be for the NDIS to assess your application.

4. NDIS Decision and Approval

After submitting your Access Request Form, the NDIS will assess your application to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria. If approved, you’ll be contacted to develop your NDIS plan. This plan outlines the types of funding and supports you will receive based on your needs and goals.

The process typically involves:

• Initial contact: Once approved, the NDIS will contact you to discuss your needs.
• Planning meeting: You’ll have a meeting with an NDIS representative, where you discuss your goals and the supports required to achieve them.

5. NDIS Plan Development

Once your eligibility is confirmed, an NDIS plan will be developed. This plan will outline the funding and support you are entitled to. During the planning meeting, you’ll work with a planner or an LAC to create a plan that meets your individual needs.

The plan will be based on your goals, aspirations, and the level of support you require. You can choose how your funding is managed, including:

• Self-managed: You manage your own NDIS funds.
• Plan-managed: A third-party plan manager helps you manage your funding.
• NDIA-managed: The NDIS manages your funding directly.

6. Using Your NDIS Plan

Once your plan is finalized, you can start using the funds to access the supports and services you need. You can find and engage NDIS-registered providers or other services that meet your needs.

7. Plan Reviews

Your NDIS plan will typically be reviewed every 12 months to ensure it still meets your needs. You can also request a review sooner if your circumstances or needs change.

By following these steps, you can apply for and secure funding from the NDIS, allowing you to access the support you need for your disability.