If you’re Australian and have a permanent and significant disability, you may be wondering what the NDIS means in dollar terms. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian initiative to support people with disabilities, their families and carers.
and was fully rolled out in July 2020 across all states.But the biggest question many have is how much support is in it for them?
With over 4.3 million Australian’s living with a disability, the NDIS will provide more than $22 billion every year to approximately 500,000 Australians who are living with a permanent disability. The funding project with run for a 5 year period and for many people it will be the first funding support they would’ve received.
To find out what funding you’ll get and how it’ll benefit you, it’s important to understand how the NDIS works. In this article we explore everything you need to know and answer all your questions, including:
- How does NDIS funding work?
- What will NDIS fund?
- What is individual planning at NDIS?
- What are the NDIS funding amounts?
- Who’s funding the NDIS?
- Who’s eligible for NDIS?
- How can you prepare for NDIS?
HOW DOES NDIS FUNDING WORK?
The NDIS is the first national approach to disability support, providing all people with a disability information about services in their communities.
Previously, funding was accessed through the Disability Support Register (DSR) or similar. If you used this, you may be accustomed to receiving a set amount to access support with. But this system is no longer in use.
The NDIS employs individualised funding. This process sees the personal needs and goals of each participant taken into account, so funding can be granted for reasonable and necessary support and services.
WHAT WILL NDIS FUND?
- Daily personal activities
- Therapeutic supports, including behaviour support
- Mobility equipment and/or vehicle modifications
- Help with household tasks
- Transport to enable participation in community, social, economic and daily life activities.
- Home modifications, design and construction
- Training backing
These support types must relate to your disability and the value for money will be considered. The support and services you receive must also be proven to work based on evidence.
Now that the NDIS has fully rolled out, book a planning meeting with our friendly team at Lifeplan to discuss an individualised plan made just for you.
Contact us today by either filling out an enquiry form here, call us on 9277 7223 or email enquiries@lifeplan.org.au.
WHAT IS INDIVIDUALISED PLANNING AT NDIS?
The individualised plan is the main tool behind the NDIS. It’s designed to build a program of services and activities to address the individual needs of people with disabilities.
Firstly, a planner will work with you and your family to identify your support needs and goals and your strengths. It’s this framework that forms the basis of the NDIS plan and your funding package.
Through the individualised planning at NDIS, you’ll be able to:
- Create a written agreement that works for you
- Choose your supports and engage with potential providers
- Access the required supports and services needed to achieve your goals
- Build on natural supports such as friendships, neighbours and community groups
- Develop talents and skills to build opportunities
- Get individualised funding that fits your needs
- Have more choice and control over services
- Plan longer-term goals
Once you have your NDIS plan in place you choose how funds are managed by either of the following:
- Self-manage your NDIS plan, which includes direct payments.
- Use a plan manager through NDIS who can liaise with providers to arrange payments on your behalf.
- Have the National Disability Insurance Agency manage funds.
- Use a combination of these arrangements.
Note: If your fund is managed by a registered provider, there may be NDIS cap rates to budget for.
Our team at Lifeplan can help you set up an individualised plan at NDIS, speak to us today!
Call on 9277 7223, email enquiries@lifeplan.org.au or fill in an enquiry form here and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
WHAT ARE THE NDIS FUNDING AMOUNTS?
NDIS funding amounts and packages are different to previous schemes. But participants shouldn’t compare direct dollars with the level of support received, as this won’t be an accurate reflection.
Now, NDIS funding amounts are allocated based on three types of support purposes:
- Core: Flexibility in budgets is offered to support complete activities of daily living.
- Capital: An investment for assistive technologies, such as equipment, home or vehicle modifications.
- Capacity building: Funding support to build skills and independence. Budgets are allocated at a category level.
The process works with set unit costs within a price guide. Meaning, service providers can’t charge extra for their services. Whilst your overall funding amount may be different, the support will be the same or more.
This ensures a flexible funding solution for people with disabilities that can be easily adjusted as your needs, expectations, situation or condition change.
To find out more about NDIS funding packages and rates, contact us at Lifeplan and we will be more than happy to assist.
Simply, Call on 9277 7223, email enquiries@lifeplan.org.au or fill in an enquiry form here.
WHO’S FUNDING THE NDIS?
The Federal Government provides over half of the NDIS funding and each state and territory contribute to the outstanding amount.
Taxpayers also chip away to help cover federal costs since the Medicare levy rise. Eventually, a lot of the money spent by the governments on disability services will go to the NDIS funding pool.
WHO’S ELIGIBLE FOR THE NDIS?
To be eligible for the NDIS, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a permanent and significant disability that reduces intellectual, cognitive, neurological, sensory, physical, psychological or social functioning.
- Be aged between 7 and 65 when you first access the scheme or be a person who the NDIS believes would benefit from an early intervention, where getting support can reduce the impact of disability for you or your child.
- Either be an Australian citizen, be a permanent visa holder, hold a protected special category visa or live in Australia.
Here’s an eligibility checklist to confirm if you are eligible for NDIS funding.
HOW CAN YOU PREPARE FOR THE NDIS?
The NDIS is a big change for everyone and it’s important to prepare yourself to make the most of your NDIS meeting.
Plan by considering:
- Your goals
- Your current support groups/networks
- Further support that could benefit you
- Other things you may need
- Who you want to support you at your NDIS planning meeting
- What questions you have about the NDIS or funding and support available, write these down so you don’t forget
For more information refer to our blog on what you need for your NDIS planning meeting.
The NDIS is a ground-breaking change to the way disability services are funded and delivered. For more information about living with a disability and how you can stay active in your community, follow our blog or contact our team today.
Call Lifeplan on 9277 7223, email enquiries@lifeplan.org.au or fill in an enquiry form here and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
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