The Australian government’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was legislated way back in 2013 and will finally be operating fully by this year. The project aims to provide the necessary support for people with significant and permanent disabilities.

The NDIS is categorized into three areas. The first is called “Core Supports”, where an eligible individual is provided with daily consumable items, personal care aid, social and community participation, and transportation funds. The second is “Capacity Building”, where you are equipped with the necessary skills to become independent and manage your life well. Lastly, there’s the “Capital Supports” budget, which is allocated for the installation of expensive assistive technology, as well as home or car alterations.

The best thing about the support you get from the NDIS is that you get full control over how to use the funds. It’s best to have an NDIS plan management strategy in place to ensure that the assistance you receive will be allocated to the proper product and service providers to improve the quality of your life.

Before you can get assistance from the NDIS, however, you have to be eligible for the program. Here are the criteria:

1. You’re Between 7 and 65 Years Old

Adults must be below the age of 65 years old to apply for assistance from the NDIS. On the other hand, if you have children with permanent and significant disabilities who are already seven years old and up, you can also register for the program.

Take note that not all mental health conditions are supported by the NDIS. However, if you have kids who sustained a permanent physical injury because of their intellectual disabilities, you may apply for NDIS access.

For children under seven, you can avail of the Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) approach, which helps families with kids who have developmental delays or disabilities. The program will connect you to the appropriate service providers in your locality and help you apply for NDIS access if your kid needs longer-term support.

Seniors over 65 can look into the Aged Care system by the Australian government. With this, you can get access to affordable care support services, as well as grants and subsidies.

2. You are an Australian Citizen or Have a Permanent Visa

The NDIS only caters to individuals who are citizens of Australia or have been granted permanent residency. Holders of permanent and special category visas are also eligible for support. You can look for other programs where you might be qualified for in the NDIS official website.

3. You Have a Permanent and Significant Disability

If you pass the requirements above, you must also consider that your disability should be deemed as permanent and significant by the NDIS. You can either contact the agency’s hotline at 1800 800 110 to make an access request or complete the form on their website and email it to NAT@ndis.gov.au. Another way to go about the registration is to call your local LAC or NDIA office.

These are the conditions that will most likely meet the NDIS disability requirements:

• Intellectual Disability - The disorder must be diagnosed as moderate, severe, or profound according to the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
• Autism - This must also be diagnosed as having a level 2 or 3 severity in the DSM.
• Cerebral Palsy - The condition should fall under the levels 3, 4, or 5 on the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS).
• Genetic Conditions - Congenital impairments, such as the Angelman, Lesch-Nyhan, and Patau syndromes, among others, are eligible for support.
• CNS Injury - Damage to the central nervous system (CNS) that leads to paraplegia or quadriplegia can be assisted by the NDIS.
• Permanent Blindness or Hearing Loss - You can also apply for access to the program if you have visual and auditory impairments.

4. You Must Use Special Equipment

Another criterion to become eligible for NDIS access is if you require the use of special equipment, like a wheelchair or other machines, to replace necessary bodily functions. You must provide evidence of your disability, which you can get from your doctor.

5. You Need Support for the Future

Lastly, if you feel that your disability has significantly decreased your earning potential, you can apply for NDIS access to reduce your future needs. Just make sure that you passed the requirements above and fill up the access request form.

Conclusion

The NDIS is a program by the Australian government to assist individuals or families with kids who have permanent and significant disabilities. The support is only available to Australian citizens who are between seven and 65 years old. You’re also eligible for the program if you have a permanent or special category visa.