NDIS: Who’s Eligible? | NDIS Eligibility
by Kat Rowe | December 8, 2020
NDIS eligibility: What you need to know
The main objective of the NDIS is to provide all Australians who acquire a permanent disability between the ages of 7 and 65 which substantially impacts how they manage everyday activities, with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to live an ordinary life.
Designed to provide disability support packages to individuals, the NDIS works to ensure people have more control in terms of the support they would like to receive.
Who is eligible for NDIS?
If you wish to apply for funding but aren’t sure whether you meet the NDIS eligibility criteria, there are resources available that you can refer to. But to make things easier for you, here’s the NDIS eligibility checklist.
NDIS Criteria
- You must be aged between 7 and 65
- You live in Australia, are an Australian citizen, or a holder of a permanent visa or of a protected special category visa
- You have a permanent and significant disability, so you usually require support from another person to go about your day-to-day life
- You require special equipment to be able to function normally
- You need support now to reduce your future needs
- You live in a place where the NDIS is being implemented
If you meet these NDIS eligibility requirements, you can apply for funding at the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
Once your eligibility is established, the NDIA will set an appointment with you to discuss your objectives and funding requirements.
Is there NDIS mental health eligibility?
Individuals who suffer from a disability resulting from a mental health condition may qualify for the NDIS. If they experience disability arising from impairment due to their mental health condition, they may be classified as NDIS participants with a psychosocial disability.
Mental health conditions, such as mood, anxiety, personality, psychotic, and compulsive disorders, may be temporary or permanent. An impairment, on the other hand, refers to a loss of or damage to a mental or physical function. Mental functions refer to memory, thinking, perception, and emotions.
To apply for NDIS mental health eligibility, you’ll be required to submit an Evidence of Psychosocial Disability form checked by a qualified health professional, e.g. a general practitioner, a psychiatrist, or a psychologist (in certain circumstances). You will also need to accomplish a Verbal Access Request (VAR) or Access Request Form (ARF).
The NDIS access request
An access request to the NDIA for participation in the NDIS program may be made anytime by you or someone acting on your behalf. Once NDIA receives your request, they will review it and determine whether you meet access criteria.
If you’ve been informed that you do not meet access criteria, you can try making another request at another time. However, you will not be able to make another access request while the decision of the NDIA to refuse a previous access request is still under review.
Communication regarding NDIS
Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, personal interactions concerning NDIS have been reduced. Some Local Area Coordinators or Early Childhood Partner offices of the NDIA may also be closed.
However, you have the option to talk to the NDIS by phone, email or web chat. You can also set an appointment by phone if you prefer to visit an NDIS office.
Stride and the NDIS
Stride is an NDIS provider working with the NDIS to ensure Australians have access to appropriate, high-quality mental health support services. These services include the provision of therapeutic support, support coordination and residential assistance.
If you want to know more about these services or need information about what we do, please reach out to our team today at 1300 00 1907 or by email at hello@stride.com.au. You can also use our online referral form. Feel free to also view our NDIS price guide for more information.