7 Smart Ways to Conquer the NDIS Application Process

 

17 April 2023 – Estimated reading time: 6.7 minutes

Applying for NDIS isn’t an overnight task. While the program can be rewarding, the application process is lengthy. Allow time to prepare and once approved, you’ll be able to access funding and improve your quality of life and independence with a range of supportive services.

This article is for people aged between 7 and 65 years. If you have a child with a disability or developmental delay, the NDIS has an Early Childhood Program to support children aged 0-6 years. 

Ready to Get Started?

Detailing your disability and how it impacts everyday life can be challenging. For this process, you need to prove your disability is permanent and describe in detail how it limits you, so you can get support where it matters most.

Learn how to simplify your NDIS application process with these tips. 

1. Confirm You’re Eligible

The NDIS supports Australians with a disability. Before you apply, check if you’re eligible. You can do this through the NDIS eligibility checklist. 

Some requirements are:

• You must be between 7 and 65 years old
• You must be an Australian citizen or a permanent visa holder
• You must have a disability caused by a permanent impairment

Your impairment may be intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical or psychosocial. Confirm whether you meet the disability requirements here then fill out the access request form. 

2. Learn the Language

Navigating the NDIS isn’t always easy. 

It’s important you know and understand the terminology, what’s involved in the NDIS planning process and the type of funding available. For example, there are three support budgets that can be funded into your plan once your application is approved.  

• Core Support is the most flexible and helps you with everyday activities
• Capacity Building helps build your independence and skills to reach your goals 
• Capital Support is for home modifications and assistive technology

Learning what each includes is key to finding which one will suit you best.

3. Be Clear and Specific About Your Needs

Your unique needs are the pathway to finding the right support. Be specific about your disability difficulties, and what you need help with to achieve your outcomes. 

The more you can break down your needs, the better the NDIS can understand your requirements and find the appropriate level of support. Start by documenting how your disability impacts you on a daily basis and what specific assistance and equipment you rely on or may need to help you reach your goals. 

It’s a good idea to write down your short and long-term goals too. What will guide you there? And will your needs change in the immediate future?

4. Seek Support

Your support group is vital to the NDIS application process. Because NDIS planning can be overwhelming, it helps to have a team of family, friends and medical professionals who can navigate the process with you. 

With these people in your corner, you have emotional encouragement and health reports to support your application. Once you have completed your application, have someone review it who can provide constructive feedback.

Your NDIS support team should be people you trust, who respect your needs and are experienced in helping you reach your goals. 

For example, you may include:

• Parents, guardians, friends and family
• Local area coordinator
• GP and/or specialist
• Allied health team
• NDIS office local to your area

5. Gather Your Documents

The NDIS application process involves providing detailed information about your disability and support needs. This means you’ll need any relevant assessments, reviews and reports for your application. 

Take the time to gather the necessary documents. You’ll need proof of identity, your NDIS application form and evidence of your disability. You may also need to complete a Functional Capacity Assessment. The more supporting information you can provide, the better the chance of your application being approved. 

6. Submit and Stay Informed

Once a trusted person has looked over your form, it’s time to submit. 

It takes approximately 21 days for your NDIS application to be reviewed. Once a decision is made, you’ll receive one of three options. 

1. You’re eligible for the NDIS
2. You need to submit more information
3. You’re not eligible for the NDIS

While you wait, learn what the next steps might entail. 

If you’re approved you’ll need to set up a plan meeting to discuss your needs. Use this 6-stage planning process to prepare for your meeting and get ready to start using your NDIS plan. 

7. If at First You Don’t Succeed, Try Again

Didn’t qualify for funding?

Don’t worry, it’s not uncommon for your first NDIS application to be unsuccessful. It might mean you need to gather more evidence or work with someone to improve your application. A Local Area Coordinator can help you re-apply if your NDIS access has been denied.

How can My Plan Assist Help?

There are three ways your plan funding can be managed:

1. Self-Managed
2. Plan-Managed
3. NDIA-Managed

We suggest that you start thinking about plan management as part of your plan. That way, you gain more flexibility and control, and can minimise the stress of tracking your funding. 

Once your NDIS application is approved, choose plan management and have us a part of your support team at no cost. My Plan Assist is a small boutique plan management agency focused on providing flexible and personalised support.  Our team will work with you to maximise your NDIS plan and save you time and hassle so you can focus on other more important things.  

• My Plan Assist will do look after things like:
• Pay your service providers within a few days
• Reimburse your expenses
• Track your NDIS funding for you
• Keep records of how you spend your funds
• Provide easy to understand monthly statements
• Set you up with a digital app for full visibility to invoices and expenditure

Call us on 07 5641 2277 for more information.

Alternatively, you can find out more at www.myplanassist.com.au