To notify the NDIS that you are interested in becoming a participant, you must apply for the scheme. Alternatively, if your child’s age is under seven, you should contact and visit your local early childhood partner to discuss their application. An early childhood partner can help you to determine if NDIS is right for your child and provide information and support for children. It is important to note that in Australia you will only be able to access the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) if you meet all of the eligibility criteria, and if the Scheme is available in your region.
- Check your eligibility
- Make a NDIS access request
- Wait to hear back from the NDIA
- Get ready for your planning meeting
- Receive Final Plan
- Contact AHP Disability and Home Care
This blog will outline all the information you should know when applying for the NDIS.
- Eligibility and documentation
- What is an access request form?
- Applying for children under seven years of age
- NDIS planning meetings
Eligibility and documentation
Your complete NDIS application will include a range of identity documents to confirm and verify your identity and eligibility. To further determine your eligibility, you will be asked a series of questions and may be asked to submit more information about your disability.
If you are looking to become a NDIS participant and you have met the eligibility criteria, there are a number of different ways to apply:
- Contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110 and ask to make an access request.
- Contact your local area coordinator or local NDIA office to assist with your NDIS application.
- Complete the online NDIS access request form.
When you apply, you will need to:
- Provide the necessary information and documents to verify your identity.
- Provide any information and documents required by the NDIS to decide if you’re eligible.
- Sign or certify the NDIS application.
What information do you need to include in your application?
Your access request form or NDIS application will show what information is needed to confirm your eligibility.
To show that you are younger than 65 when you apply, live in Australia, and that you’re an Australia citizen or permanent resident, you can provide the NDIS with one of the following:
- Consent to access and use your Centrelink record.
- Copies of documents or other evidence listed on your NDIS application form.
What is an access request form?
Once you have provided proof of identity and been deemed as eligible, an access request form must be completed and submitted, along with any applicable supporting information to apply for the NDIS. Your current NDIS provider will be required to complete a section of the access request form and attach any existing classified reports or assessments. Your access request form will require a signature. This can be completed physically, digitally, or through a verbal access request. If using a digital signature, you must complete this as the very last point of your application.
You can complete the access request form online through the NDIS website, or alternatively speak to the NDIS about sending a physical form or put forward a verbal access request by calling 1800 800 110.
Supporting information
Regardless of how you apply, the NDIS requires the same information and evidence to support your access request form.
You can take all the time you need to collect your supporting information to confirm your:
- Age
- Residency
- Disability or need for early intervention
Applying for children under seven years of age
Under the NDIS, children up to the age of seven who have a disability or developmental delay are supported by Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI).
Early childhood partner
To access these early intervention services, children may need a referral or formal diagnosis of disability from an early childhood partner. For example, if a child has a developmental delay, an early childhood partner can provide evidence and verify this.
If you have concerns about your child’s behaviour or development, you can request access to Early Childhood Early Intervention support by:
- Contacting the NDIS on 1800 800 110.
- Contacting a local early childhood partner directly.
NDIS Planning Meetings
My NDIS application has been approved… Now what?
Once your NDIS application has been approved by the NDIA, you can organise a planning meeting. In your planning meeting, a local area coordinator or early childhood partner will ask you a series of questions about how you are going in everyday life. This will help your coordinator to develop a plan that is tailored to your unique needs and can provide the right support for you.
Things you may be asked during your NDIS planning meeting includes questions regarding:
- Your personal details
- Your community and direct supports
- How to manage everyday activities
- Your safety (equipment, accommodation, or assistance to help you take care of yourself or your home)
- The goals you want to pursue
- Ways to manage your plan
- The support you need to implement your NDIS plan.
Need help with accessing disability and support services?
If you require assistance applying for the NDIS, or accessing and understanding your plan, AHP Disability and Home Care’s highly qualified staff are well-equipped to assist with any and all of your needs.
Contact our team on 1800 247 342, should you require assistance.
