- National: The NDIS is being introduced progressively across all states and territories.
- Disability: The NDIS provides support to eligible people with intellectual, physical, sensory, cognitive and psychosocial disability. Early intervention supports can also be provided for eligible people with disability or children with developmental delay.
- Insurance: The NDIS gives all Australians peace of mind if they, their child or loved one is born with or acquires a permanent and significant disability, they will get the support they need.
- Scheme: The NDIS is not a welfare system. The NDIS is designed to help people get the support they need so their skills and independence improve over time.
source: https://www.ndis.gov.au/
Answer some simple questions to see if you may be able to apply for the NDIS. These questions are just a guide, the final decision about eligibility is up to the NDIA.
Eligibility checklist source: https://www.ndis.gov.au/
What is a Nominee?
A nominee is a person who is appointed in writing, at the request of a participant, or on the initiative of the NDIA, to act on behalf of, or make decisions on behalf of a participant for the purposes of the NDIS Act. Nominees play an important role in the NDIS to represent the interest of the participant. Most participants of the NDIS will not require a nominee. The NDIS focusses on supporting and building the capacity of participants to make their own decisions whilst acknowledging the role that families, carers or significant others play. source: https://www.ndis.gov.au/
Can I provide limited access to my nominee to act on my behalf?
Two types of nominees can be appointed under the NDIS Act, these are a plan nominee and a correspondence nominee. There are limitations to the role of plan nominee which is explained under the heading below. source: https://www.ndis.gov.au/
What is a plan nominee?
A plan nominee is able to make decisions on behalf of the participant, for the purposes of, the NDIS Act that relates to the preparation, review or replacement of the participant’s plan and/or, the management of the funding for supports under the participant’s plan. source: https://www.ndis.gov.au/
What is a correspondence nominee?
The role of a correspondence nominee is narrower than the role of a plan nominee. A correspondence nominee can receive letters and notifications from the NDIA and/or make requests for information to the NDIA on behalf of the participant. source: https://www.ndis.gov.au/
How do I appoint a nominee to act on my behalf?
For the NDIS to appoint a nominee, the NDIA needs to be satisfied the participant requires a nominee. We will take into consideration the wishes (if any) of the participant regarding the making of the appointment including written consent (in most cases) and provide a copy of the letter for the appointment of the nominee to the nominee and the participant. To request a nominee appointment you should speak with your local area coordinator or contact your local NDIA office and they can discuss this with you and obtain any relevant information.
For more information on all the questions above, visit the Operational Guidelines’ Nominees section on the NDIS website.
source: https://www.ndis.gov.au/
How will the NDIS affect me? How does the NDIS work?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme, known as the NDIS, is a national Government initiative for people living with a permanent and significant disability. The scheme can provide lifelong support where people have more choice and control over how they receive services. Clients will be able to choose the providers they want to deliver the services they need. Supports may include therapy services, equipment, personal care, help at home and getting involved in the community (individually or in a group).
The first step to getting involved with the NDIS is to test your eligibility. This is done by completing an Access Request Form. You will need to attach evidence of your disability to this form. If you are found eligible you will then be contacted to have a planning meeting where you will discuss your support needs and a personalised plan will be developed. The next step is activating your plan. You can get assistance with activating your plan from the NDIS or someone called a support coordinator (if you have included this in your plan). Your plan will be valid for 12 months and then reviewed before developing the next plan.
We understand that this is a very different way of receiving the supports you need, so Oasis Care staff will be available to help you throughout this process. Please feel free to ask questions any time. We are here to help!
How will the NDIS be good for me? Is it worth getting involved?
It is definitely worth registering with the NDIS for a number of reasons:
- If eligible, you will be able to receive a personalised plan which will cover key support areas in your life
- You will have more choice and control over the services you receive – you will be able to select the service providers/organisations that best meet your needs
- The NDIS provides lifelong support and is portable – which means you can use it wherever you live – even if you move interstate!
- Most of the supports/programs you are receiving now are moving to the NDIS, meaning you will need to try and access the Scheme to make sure you can keep receiving support
Will someone help me understand and work through the NDIS?
We understand that the NDIS is a big change and can cause a lot of worry and uncertainty. We also understand that it can be tricky to fully understand all the changes and what you need to do. Oasis Care staff are here to help you and to make sure you feel supported throughout the process.
Keep asking questions and speak to staff about any questions you have.