The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was created to help disabled people gain greater independence, access new skills, the workforce, volunteering in their community and to be able to lead a better quality of life so they can spend more time with their family and friends.
One of the main things the NDIS connects anyone with a disability with is the services in their community. This includes connecting with doctors or specialists, sporting clubs, support groups, libraries, local events and more.
The question most often asked is – how do I know if I qualify for NDIS? In this blog post, we are breaking down the four main criteria that you need to meet in order to determine your or the person you care for eligibility for NDIS funding.
AGE REQUIREMENTS
In order to be considered for access to NDIS funding you or the person you care for need to be aged between 7 to 65 years old.
What to do if you are under 7
If you have a child in your care that is under the age of 7, you can connect with one of the early childhood partners in your local area. The early childhood partner can provide support up until the child reaches the age of 7.
Follow this link to learn more on what is available for a child under 7:
https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/families-and-carers/early-childhood-approach
What to do if you are over 65
If you or the person you care are aged 65 and over then you can seek assistance from My Aged Care. My Aged Care able to provide support for people who need help around the house, assistance getting into an aged care home or short-term care.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS
In order to qualify under the residency requirements you need to be one of the following:
1. Australian Resident
2. Permanent Citizen
3. Protection Special Category Visa holder
At the time of applying for NDIS you must be residing full time in Australia and if you don’t live in Australia then you may be eligible to access other support services. Find out more here.
DISABILITY REQUIREMENTS
There are requirements that need to be met by either you or the person you care for in regards to the disability. To be able to access NDIS funding they determine a disability to be caused by a permanent impairment.
The impairment may be cognitive, neurological, intellectual, psychosocial, physical, or sensory. Usually, they determine this by your need for disability specific supports to complete daily life activities. These are viewed on a sliding scale and you can complete a verbal or online form to have your eligibility assessed.
EARLY INTERVENTION REQUIREMENTS
If you or the person you care for need access to supports and services now to assist in reducing the future need for support then you would apply via this verbal or online form.
There is also support available for family and other carers involved in your support team to build on their skills to be able to assist and support you effectively and in a way that works for you.
What if I fall outside all categories?
If you don’t meet the requirements for NDIS funding, early childhood partners or My Aged Care there is still some assistance available.
There are a number of services and supports that are provided by the government.
Find out more here regarding support available for people who are not eligible for NDIS.
