NDIS Funding - What to do next?

Are you considering applying for NDIS funding or have you been approved for funding and don't know what to do next? Hopefully we can point you in the right direction!

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides funding to those who are living with a disability. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) is the governing body that manages the NDIS scheme. NDIS funding allows individuals living with a disability access any supports they would benefit from and to empower them to live their best life.

What supports will I be able to access through the NDIS?

Each NDIS plan is individualised based on the individuals needs. Some examples of supports may include:

• Allied Health (e.g. Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy etc.)

• Mental Health (e.g. Psychology, Psychiatry etc.)

• Behaviour Support (e.g. Positive Behaviour Support Specialists)

• Assistive Technology (e.g. communication apps for iPads)

• Daily Living needs (e.g. nappies)

• Physical Mobility (e.g. wheelchairs)

• Respite Services

• Support work

• Therapeutic/social group inclusion

How can I get an NDIS funding plan?

Check out the NDIS website for detailed information on applying for funding https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis/how-apply. The NDIS website can always provide the most up to date information on funding applications.

In summary:

• Check if you meet the eligibility criteria

• Complete an Access Request Form or directly contact NDIS via phone

• Provide evidence and information around your diagnosis

• Provide supporting documentation of the challenges faced from your diagnosis e.g. speech pathology reports

• Be guided by NDIS on the next steps

How can the funding in my NDIS plan be managed?

There are three options you can choose from to manage your funding plan, these include:

Agency Managed:

Your plan is managed through NDIA. Providers such as a speech pathologist claim services directly through NDIA and NDIA pay the provider

Plan Managed:

A third party manages your invoices and payments. Providers or participants can send invoices directly to the third party who then pays the service provider

Self Managed:

You as the participant or guardian of the participant manage your own funds. This include paying the service provider directly and claiming the funds back through NDIA

I have just been given a new plan, what do I do next?

Look at your NDIS goals and the funding allocated for each service you require. Contact service providers (of your choice) and organise appropriate service provision. For example, if you require speech pathology services, contact a speech pathology service of your choice and organise assessment and/or therapy service provision guided by your NDIS plan.

Ensure you let your service providers know that you are funded through NDIS and how your plan is managed so that they can better support you through this process.

What happens when my NDIS plan expires?

When your plan is due to expire, service providers such as speech pathologist will complete an assessment report and/or a progress report that will be submitted to NDIS. Prior to your plan expiring, NDIS will review the supporting documents / reports submitted by service providers and use these to ensure the services you are accessing are appropriate and that individual growth is occurring. This will help guide new NDIS goals based on progress or changes and also guide funding allocations.

If you have any questions about your NDIS plan or you need further guidance on the application process, please get in touch with us at info@articulatespeech.com.au or give us a call on 0401 347 766.