To join the NDIS you need to meet the access requirements. These include your location and accessibility to the NDIS, your age, your residency status and the nature of your disability. We’ve broken the steps to accessing the NDIS down for you.
Step 1 – Eligibility
Answer the following questions to check your eligibility:
- Age you aged between 7 and 65?
- Do you have Australian residency?
- Do you usually need support from a person because of a permanent and significant disability?
- Do you need some supports now to reduce your future needs?
If you answered yes to all questions, you meet the criteria to apply for NDIS.
Step 2 – Access
After you have answered the questions, use the diagram below to help you understand the NDIS process for access:
Step 3 – Need help to apply?
If you have a legally appointed representative, they can support you to apply or do this on your behalf. However, they will need to provide the NDIA with evidence of being your legally appointed representative before they apply.
You can also ask a support person, such as a family member, friend or support worker, to help you apply. You will need to provide the NDIA with evidence that you have given your support person consent to apply on your behalf. You can provide evidence verbally, electronically or in writing, including by hand gesture, by talking to NDIS, in an email or electronic voice signature.
Alternatively, you can call us here at Hurdle and speak with Paula about your application. With over eight years’ experience in the application process, Paula can guide you through the process and support you during your planning meeting. Contact Paula 0466 213 362 or via email paula@hurdle.support.
Step 4 – What you need for your application?
You will need to provide information about yourself to show you meet the eligibility requirements for the NDIS. You will need to provide the following information:
- Your name, age, where you live and whether you have permission to live in Australia permanently.
- Evidence of your age and residence.
- Details and evidence about your disability and how it impacts you each day within the following categories:
- Mobility
- Communication
- Learning
- Social and Community Access
- Self-Care
- Self-Management
- Copies of letters or reports you already have from your treating health professional (i.e. General Practitioner (GP) or allied health professionals), this includes a diagnosis of your disability.
If further evidence is required, NDIA will send you a letter asking for more.
Refer to Blog: Part 2 – Evidence of Disability for more information.
Step 5 – How do I apply?
You will need to complete a NDIS Access Request Form which is available off the NDIS website (www.ndis.gov.au/how-to-apply-ndis/what-access-request-form). Or you can request a copy be sent to you by phoning NDIS on 1800 800 110.
With the help of your doctor, complete the Access Request Form and sign it. Gather up all your supporting information and send it to NDIA by:
- Email to nat@ndis.gov.au
- Post to GPO Box 700, Canberra ACT 2601
NDIA process your application and make a decision within 21 days, and explain the decision in writing to you, within 28 days.
For further information on accessing the NDIS, contact Paula Oliva on 0466 213 362 or via email paula@hurdle.support.
