The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has certainly revolutionised how the Australian government takes care of people with disability. Through the NDIS, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) provides people living with a disability with the financial support and services they need to live their best possible life.

Watch the video below to learn more.

If you’re new to the NDIS, you may be overwhelmed by all the information out there and unsure how to proceed. Below, we answer some frequently asked questions to help you get started on getting the supports you need.

1. Who is eligible for the NDIS?

To be eligible for the NDIS, you need to meet four criteria:

• You have to be under 65 years old
• You must live in Australia and be an Australian citizen or have a Permanent or Protected Special Category Visa
• You have a permanent and significant disability for which you usually need support from someone else or use special equipment
• You have a permanent and significant disability for which you need supports now to reduce your need for support in the future

To learn more about the eligibility criteria, click here.

2. What are the steps in the NDIS process?

If NDIS is available in your area and you meet the criteria for eligibility, follow the steps below.

1. Make an Access Request to the NDIS. Learn how to make an Access Request here.
2. Once you have completed your Access Request, the NDIA will evaluate your eligibility and make an Access Decision.
3. Once you have been found to be eligible, a planning meeting between you and your ECEI Coordinator, Local Area Coordinator or NDIA planner will be held to discuss your support and funding needs.
4. During your plan meeting, you will get the option as to how you would like to manage your plan. You can choose to engage a registered NDIS plan manager like Blitzit Plan Manager to help you streamline the financial tasks involved.  Alternatively, this can be self-managed or managed by the NDIA.
5. After the planning meeting, your NDIS professional will create your plan, which the NDIA must then approve.
6. To appoint a NDIS Plan Manager there is no cost to you, this will be covered in your NDIS Plan. This option provides you with choice and control over providers, negotiate cheaper pricing to get more out of your funds, track your budget whilst your plan manager handles the paperwork giving you more free time and less hassle.
7. Once approved, your NDIS professional will provide you with a copy of your plan. You can also view your plan on the myplace portal.
8. Your NDIS plan period can vary between 3-months and 48-months, you can discuss this during the plan meeting. The NDIS will contact you before your plan ends for a review of how the past year has gone, and adjust services and supports as needed. Blitzit Plan Manager provides comprehensive guidance and support in the lead up to the plan ending to be prepared, and get the most out of your new plan.  Learn more about the planning process here.

Watch the video below to learn more.

3. How do I prepare for the NDIS planning meeting?

Once the NDIA has found you eligible for the NDIS, they will schedule a planning meeting for which you need to be prepared. Below, some tips as you go into your planning meeting:

1. Identify the supports you currently receive and how you manage your daily activities.
2. Identify your goals, both short-term and medium to long-term. 
3. Identify the supports you need now and in the future to meet these goals.
4. Prepare evidence of your eligibility, as well as relevant documents such as reports or assessments.
5. Determine how you want to manage your plan. You can choose to self-manage, assign a Plan Nominee, choose a registered plan manager like Blitzit or have the NDIA do the managing.

4. What is an NDIS Plan?

The NDIS plan is a document that is based on the results of your planning meeting with your NDIS professional. It maps out your needs, goals and options, and outlines the services and supports you will need to meet these outcomes. Included in your NDIS plan is the budget allocated for you to be able to avail of NDIS-funded supports such as therapies, equipment or modifications to your environment. This amount is divided into different support budgets covering different areas of your requirements.

An NDIS plan manager like Blitzit can act as an intermediary to handle the financial administration aspects of your plan. Visit our NDIS plan management page for more information.

5. What types of support can be funded under an NDIS Plan?

The NDIS funds an array of supports and services, including therapies, employment, mobility equipment, assistive technology, home or vehicle modifications, help with household jobs, daily activities and transport to encourage participation in social, community.

Funding is allocated specific to the individual’s disability and this funding will cover those supports that are ‘reasonable and necessary’ to meet your goals. Watch this video to learn more.

There are three types of support budgets covered by the NDIS  Learn more about NDIS-funded supports here.

6. What are the Core Supports in the NDIS?

The Core Supports budget, covers day-to-day needs. Core Supports fall into four categories:

• Consumables
• Daily Activities
• Assistance with Social and Community Participation
• Transport

Learn more about the Core Supports budget here.

7. What are the Capacity Building Supports in the NDIS?

The Capacity Building budget, which covers training, skill-building and learning supports you may need to achieve your goals. It consists of eight sub-categories:

• Choice and Control
• Daily Activity
• Employment
• Health and Wellbeing
• Home Living
• Lifelong Learning
• Relationships
• Social and Community Participation

Learn more about the Capacity Building budget here.

8. What are Capital Supports in the NDIS?

The Capital Supports budget,  covers higher-cost items such as equipment, assistive technology and home and vehicle modifications. 

Learn more about the Capital Supports budget here.

9. What is the NDIS Price Guide?

The Price Guide details the limits set by the NDIA on the prices of NDIS-funded supports. Prices are updated following market trends and changes are identified through an Annual Price Review. Learn more about price guides and pricing here.

10. Who are NDIS Providers? And how do I find them?

To see a list of service providers in your area, you can check the NDIS website, or get in touch with your Local Area Coordinator.

To learn more about finding and choosing service providers, watch this.

Got any more questions?

We know this can be a lot to take in. The Blitzit Plan Manager team would be happy to share our knowledge of NDIS processes and services with you. Contact us via 1300 966 119, or email hello@blitzit.com.au or sign up now. For regular updates on the NDIS and what Blitzit can do for you, please sign up for our newsletter here.