Introduction

In this guide, we’ll explain in detail the various supports and services the NDIS provides, how the funding is structured, and how you can make the most of it. Whether you're a new NDIS participant or just want to clarify what's available to you, this blog will give you all the information you need.

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government initiative designed to provide financial assistance and support to Australians with permanent and significant disabilities. It aims to help individuals access services that enable them to live more independently and participate fully in their communities.

The NDIS focuses on helping participants with their daily living needs, health care, and personal goals, providing funding for a range of services and equipment. The scheme is designed to ensure participants get the right care and support, tailored to their unique needs and preferences.

NDIS Funding Categories

When it comes to NDIS funding, the scheme breaks it down into three primary categories. Each category is intended to cover different types of support, depending on the participant’s needs. Here's an overview of these categories:

1. Core Supports

Core supports cover the essential services you need to carry out your daily activities. This category is the most flexible, allowing you to choose how and when to use your funding. Core supports are broken down into four subcategories:

• Assistance with Daily Living: This includes help with personal care, such as showering, dressing, and grooming. You can also use these funds for help with meal preparation or household cleaning.
• Transport: This covers travel to essential appointments like medical visits, social events, or educational sessions. If you can't use public transport due to your disability, the NDIS can fund alternative transport options.
• Consumables: These include everyday items that help with your daily life, such as continence aids, diabetic supplies, and other health-related consumables.
• Assistance with Social and Community Participation: This includes funding to help you engage in social activities, whether it's participating in a club, attending a community event, or joining a recreational group.

2. Capacity-Building Supports

Capacity-building supports focus on helping you develop skills that will increase your independence and improve your quality of life. This funding category is designed to help you gain the abilities you need to achieve your personal goals and live more independently. It includes:

• Improved Living Arrangements: This funding helps modify your home to make it more accessible or suitable for your needs. It may cover things like bathroom modifications, ramps, or other home improvements.
• Improved Relationships: These services help you develop skills to interact better with others, particularly with family members, peers, or caregivers. This includes therapy, counselling, or training for carers.
• Improved Health and Wellbeing: This funding supports therapy services like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy to help you manage your health conditions.
• Improved Learning: This includes funding for education support, whether it’s assistance with learning at school or training for a job.
• Improved Employment Outcomes: This focuses on services designed to help you gain or maintain employment. It includes funding for job training, vocational assessments, and support at work.
• Increased Social and Community Participation: This helps you connect with the community through activities and programs that improve your social skills and confidence.

3. Capital Supports

Capital supports cover one-off purchases of high-cost equipment and assistive technologies. These supports typically include:

• Assistive Technology: This includes funding for items such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or communication devices that help you manage your disability more effectively.
• Home Modifications: This category provides funding for structural changes to your home to make it more accessible, such as installing ramps, widening doors, or adapting bathrooms.
• Vehicle Modifications: If you need modifications to your vehicle to make it more accessible (such as installing hand controls or a hoist), the NDIS can fund these changes.

How to Access NDIS Services and Supports

Once you are approved for NDIS funding, you’ll work with a planner or Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to create a personalised plan based on your needs and goals. The plan will outline how much funding you’ve been allocated for each of the categories above.

With your plan in hand, you’ll have the freedom to choose service providers, therapists, and organisations that offer the support you need. Depending on how you manage your NDIS funding, you can either:

• Self-Manage: You take full control of your funding, choosing providers and making payments yourself.
• Plan-Manage: You work with a plan manager who helps you manage your funding and liaises with service providers.
• NDIA Managed: The NDIA (National Disability Insurance Agency) manages your funding and arranges services for you.

Can You Choose Your Service Providers?

Yes! One of the most empowering aspects of the NDIS is that you get to choose your own service providers. This gives you more control over the types of services and care you receive. Whether you want a particular therapist, a specific support worker, or a service that aligns with your personal preferences, you have the option to choose providers that best suit your needs.

What Happens If Your Needs Change?

Your NDIS plan isn’t set in stone. It can be reviewed and updated periodically to reflect changes in your needs, goals, or circumstances. For example, if your condition changes, or you accomplish certain goals, you can request a review of your plan. This ensures that your funding continues to support you effectively as your needs evolve.

Common Questions About NDIS Coverage

1. What Doesn’t the NDIS Cover?

While the NDIS provides a broad range of supports, it doesn’t cover everything. For example, it doesn’t fund everyday living costs like rent, utility bills, or food. It also doesn’t provide funding for services not related to your disability, such as entertainment or holiday expenses.

2. Can I Use My NDIS Funding for Non-Medical Services?

Yes, the NDIS is designed to help you live a more independent life, so it does cover services that help with your social and community participation. This could include funding for art classes, gym memberships, or other activities that help you engage with your community.

3. What If I Don’t Use All My Funding?

If you have unspent funds, you can carry them over into the next plan period, depending on how your funding is managed. However, the unspent funds must be allocated to the categories outlined in your plan, so they can’t be used for unrelated expenses.