National Disability Insurance Scheme
There are around 4.3 million Australians who have a disability. Within the next five years, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will provide more than $22 billion in funding a year to an estimated 500,000 Australians who have permanent and significant disability.
For many people, it will be the first time they receive the disability support they need.
The NDIS can provide all people with disability with information and connections to services in their communities such as doctors, sporting clubs, support groups, libraries and schools, as well as information about what support is provided by each state and territory government.
Source: www.ndis.gov.au
- 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: www.ndis.gov.au
People who meet the NDIS access requirements are called participants. Participants receive funded supports and an individual plan. If you are a person with disability and want to join the NDIS, you need to meet the access requirements.
These include:
- Availability of the Scheme where you live;
- your age;
- your residency status;
- your disability and in some cases your early intervention requirements.
To join the NDIS you need to meet access requirements
If you think you meet these criteria, you can apply to join the NDIS.
- phone 1800 800 110 and make a verbal access request, or
- download and complete the ARF on your computer and email it to the NDIA with supporting information, or
- download the ARF on your computer, print it out, and mail it to the NDIA with supporting information, or
- email NAT@ndis.gov.au and ask for an ARF to be mailed, or
- contact your local NDIA office and asking for an ARF to be mailed to you.
Local NDIA and Partners in the Community Staff can also help you apply.