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Shopping for disability support equipment or assistive technologies? There is a possibility you could claim these purchases through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), otherwise known as the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
There are around 4.3 million Australians who are living with a disability. Supports are needed, whether it’s disability support equipment, counselling, home and work adjustments, and so much more.
If you are eligible for the NDIS, you could receive funding from the Commonwealth Government. It would be a substantial weight off your shoulders, or the shoulders of your carer or occupational therapist, making financial stress a thing of the past.
But how do you apply for the NDIS?
We’re here to help. In this article, we explain how to apply for the NDIS for everyone including those who have government funding, those who do not have funding and those with children under seven, along with advice on how to claim assistive technology.
How to apply for NDIS support in six steps
The NDIS application process does not need to be complicated so long as you are eligible for the scheme. Here are six simple steps to apply for the NDIS:
The NDIS (and NDIA) will try to make this process as simple as possible. Some parts of the process may be a little confusing or stressful, but there are supports available and it’s important to remember this is a positive step towards financial support from the government.
iF YOU ARE RECEIVING SUPPORT FROM THE GOVERNMENT
If you are a Commonwealth, state, or territory defined programs client, you will not need to provide further evidence of your disability or how it impacts your life.
If you are currently receiving support from the government, you will be notified when NDIS supports are available in your area. There’s no need to apply for the NDIS - this will already be available to you.
When NDIS supports become available in your area, an NDIA representative will get in touch and confirm the following details with you:
- Your identity or the identity of your representative (like an occupational therapist or carer)
- Consent from you or your representative to become an NDIS participant
- Personal information like your name, age, where you live, and whether you’re an Australian citizen
- Consent for your information to be verified by your Centrelink record
- Consent to contact your health care professionals, service providers, and schools (where applicable) to collect information about you to help determine your eligibility.
If necessary, the NDIS might send a letter to confirm your disability.
If you're not receiving disability support from the government
If you are not currently receiving financial support from the government, you may have to answer a few questions to confirm whether or not you are eligible for the NDIS.
Some questions include:
- Are you aged between seven and 65-years-old?
- For children under seven, you will need to apply for the Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) scheme. If you are over 65-years-old, you will unfortunately not be able to access the NDIS.
- Do you live in Australia and are you an Australian citizen?
- The NDIS is only available to people who live in Australia, Australian citizens, permanent visa holders, and protected special category visa holders.
- Do you need support from someone due to a permanent and significant disability?
- Do you use special equipment because of a permanent and significant disability?
- Do you need some supports now to reduce your future needs?
If you have answered no to any of these questions, you may not be eligible for the NDIS. However, there are other supports available including:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians
- Advocacy
- Crisis Supports
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Australians
- Education
- Employment
- Health Interface
- Housing
- Information for Parents and Carers
- Justice
- Legal Aid
- Mental Health
- Mental Health Support for Young People
- Support for older People with Disability
- Transport
If you have a child under seven years old
For children under the age of seven, the Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) approach is available to help diagnose and support development delays and disabilities.
To apply for the ECEI scheme, see the steps below:
Claiming assistive technology and disability support equipment t hrough the ndis
Looking to claim disability support equipment through Active Mobility Systems? We are a registered NDIS provider (provider number: 4050000748). Our goal is to support people living with disabilities to build skills and capabilities so they can participate in their local community and gain access to employment opportunities.
The NDIS covers a wide range of assistive technologies and disability support equipment. For example, the NDIS will cover items that support:
- Daily activities
- Transport to enable participation in the community, social, economic and daily life activities
- Workplace help to allow you to successfully gain or maintain employment
- Therapeutic supports like behaviour support
- Help with household tasks to allow you to maintain your home environment
- Help from skilled professionals for aids or equipment assessment, set up, and training
- Home modification design and construction
- Mobility equipment
- Vehicle modifications
For assistive technology like non-slip mats, dining aids, wheelchairs, and adjustable beds, you, your carer, or your occupational therapist can apply for funding through the NDIS. However, it’s important to note that the NDIS cannot fund items that are more appropriately funded by other government services.
Contact us if you have any questions about how to apply for the ndis
If you, your carer, or your occupational therapist is unsure about how to apply for the NDIS, get in touch with the team from Active Mobility Systems. Our team is experienced with NDIS claims - it’s what we do!
We want to make the process as quick and simple as possible. If we can support you in any way, please contact us on 1800 543 837. Our team would be more than happy to provide support and guidance in submitting a claim for one (or more) of our products.