NDIS

> What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a nationwide scheme that will help support people with a permanent and significant disability, and their families and caregivers. It will provide about 460,000 Australians under the age of 65 with a permanent and significant disability, the reasonable and necessary supports they need to optimise their function and participation in their community and employment.

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) funding commenced roll-out to the Northern Sydney PHN area from 1 July 2017.

> Who is eligible for the NDIS?

The NDIS is available to Australian citizens, residents, and applicable visa category holders, who are under the age of 65 with a permanent disability that significantly impacts on activities of daily living.

See also:

• Fact Sheet: Eligibility requirements for the NDIS – NSW Government NDIS
• NDIS Access checklist – NDIA
• What are the NDIS eligibility requirements? – NSW Government NDIS

> What other supports are available under the NDIS?

Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI)
Children aged between 0-6 years old identified with disability or developmental delay may benefit from working with Early Childhood Providers to help develop functional skills and access community supports. GPs should advise families that they can access the ECEI pathway whilst awaiting further assessment by health professionals. See also:

• Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) – NSW Government NDIS
• Early Childhood Early Intervention – NDIA

Information Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) – due to roll-out July 2018
Ability Links and Early Links NSW currently provides connections for patients with disability to their community. ILC is a new initiative that will aim to provide assistance and links to community and mainstream supports. It will help people with disability and their families to acquire skills, resources, and the confidence they need to participate in the community. Whilst the focus of ILC is largely on people who are ineligible for the NDIS, scheme participants can still access ILC. It may also help people with disability move into the NDIS if a need is identified. See also:

• About Ability Links NSW
• Ability Links NSW – FaCS
• Early intervention support and inclusion for children with disability – FaCS
• Fact Sheet: What you need to know about Information, Linkages and Capacity Building – NSW Government NDIS

> I already get disability supports, what happens next?

If you already receive existing specialist disability services through Family and Community Services (FaCS), you will be contacted by an NDIA representative and will be required to create a plan (called My First Plan) that determines your individual goals. This can be developed in conjunction with a family member, carer, or support worker; a Health professional may also be asked to contribute to ensure your complex health needs are accurately reflected in your plan.

Your disability services will transition to the NDIS on 1 July 2017 and these services will be paid under this new structure, and you will control how funds are spent.

> I meet the NDIS eligibility criteria but haven’t received disability support before. What do I need to do to access NDIS supports?

If you are a new patient seeking to receive supports and services under the NDIS/ are a person who is unknown to the NDIA (e.g. newly diagnosed, degenerative conditions resulting in an eligible level of impairment and newly born children with disability), you will need to make a full application to the scheme.
To apply for NDIS services, for yourself or on behalf of a family member, please contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110 or visit the NDIS website.

> Who can I speak to for more information?

National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) – 1800 800 110
LAC – Local Area Coordinator for Northern Sydney is Uniting Care Ph: 1800 864 846 – More information