NDIS Frequently Asked Questions

The NDIS is a government-funded program designed to provide support and services to individuals with disabilities in Australia. The NDIS is for people with a significant disability that affects their everyday life. It provides funds straight to individuals (if they want) – giving people more choice and control over the kind of support they’d like.

To be eligible for the NDIS, you must be aged 7 to 65 years of age, have a permanent disability that significantly affects your ability to perform daily activities, and be an Australian citizen, be a permanent resident or hold a protected special category visa.
We offer some services to people who are not eligible for the NDIS via government funded programs. If you are already engaging with our support team, we will ensure you access the appropriate services for you needs. Read more on NDIS eligibility or access the full criteria here.

For the moment, all our programs are running as usual. We plan to continue providing services to people over 65 and those not eligible for the NDIS – and are in the middle of negotiating for future support from the government and primary health networks to keep doing so.

The NDIS works alongside your existing government services, including housing, health and specific mental health treatment support. It isn’t meant to replace them.

Not at all. The NDIS doesn’t affect income supports like your Carer Payment, Carer Supplement, Carer Allowance or your Child Disability Assistance Payment.

Your NDIS plan is tailored to your unique needs and goals. It can include a wide range of supports and services such as assistive technology, therapies, personal care, home modifications, and community participation activities. The NDIS is designed to help you:
– Achieve your goals
– Become as independent as possible
– Develop skills for everyday life
– Get involved in the community
– Participate in education or work and earn money
This means providing (reasonable) support in areas including:
– Mobility
– Communication
– Self-care and self-management
– Social interactions
– Learning
– Building skills for social and economic participation

Individuals apply for funding through the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). If they’re eligible, the NDIA will set up a meeting with the individual to help understand their goals and decide on their funding. At Stride, a support worker can help you every step of the way. You can also contact the NDIA directly on 1800 800 110 or www.ndis.gov.au

Yes, the NDIS is all about choice and control. You have the flexibility to choose your preferred service providers, as long as they are registered with the NDIS and can deliver the supports specified in your plan.

Your NDIS plan is developed through a collaborative process with a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or an NDIS planner. You will discuss your goals, needs, and aspirations, and they will help you create a plan that aligns with your objectives.

Your NDIS plan is not set in stone. If your circumstances or needs change, you can request a plan review to adjust your supports and services accordingly.

The NDIS funds supports and services that are considered “reasonable and necessary” to help you achieve your goals and participate in the community. These supports are tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.

Yes, NDIS funds can be used to access services and supports that help you with education and employment goals. This may include job coaching, assistive technology, or skill-building programs.

The NDIS may fund transportation if it is considered reasonable and necessary to achieve your goals or participate in the community. This could include funding for modified vehicles, transport assistance, or taxi fares.

To get started with the NDIS, you can contact the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) or a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) in your area. They will guide you through the application and planning process.

If you need assistance managing your NDIS plan, you can choose to have a Plan Manager or use the NDIA’s online portal to help track your funds and expenses.

If you move to a different region or state within Australia, your NDIS plan will still apply, but you may need to transfer your plan to the new location. The NDIS can assist you with this transition.

Not at all. The NDIS doesn’t affect income supports like your Carer Payment, Carer Supplement, Carer Allowance or your Child Disability Assistance Payment.

In most cases, no. But your plan gets reviewed every 12 months – and so does your funding.

Usually plans can be reviewed near their end date. But if there’s been a big change in your life it’s possible to ask for an earlier review.

Yes. Although you’ll need a separate bank account to keep your NDIS funds. You’ll also have to:
– Source and arrange your support
– Pay your chosen providers
– Manage your plan expenditure, including submitting ‘My Plan Purchases’ forms to NDIA
– Keep records of all your plan purchases and provide them to NDIA
If you’d like someone to manage your funds, you can visit a Plan Management Provider. This can be discussed at your NDIA planning meeting.

Absolutely. NDIS funding is designed to put you in control – so you’re free to choose which service provider you want. Just remember that if you use the NDIA to manage your plan, they must be a registered NDIS service provider.

The NDIA has developed a booklet with tips on how to choose safe and quality services – and what to do if you wish to complain.