How Do I Access the NDIS?
At Meliora Life, we understand the journey to accessing the NDIS can be overwhelming, but we're here to support you every step of the way. Our passionate team is committed to helping you navigate the NDIS process with ease and confidence because at Meliora Life, we believe that when you thrive, we thrive.
So What is the NDIS Access Process?
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility Begin by checking if you meet the NDIS eligibility criteria. This includes age, residency, and disability requirements:
Age: You must be under 65 when you first apply.
Residency: You need to live in Australia and be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.
Disability Requirements: Your disability should be permanent and significant, affecting your day-to-day functioning.
Step 2: Make an Access Request If you meet the eligibility criteria, the next step is to make an Access Request. You can do this by:
Contacting the NDIS directly via phone or their website to request an Access Request Form (ARF).
Completing the form with details about your disability and how it impacts your life. It's crucial to provide supporting evidence like reports from health professionals.
Step 3: Submit Your Access Request Once you’ve filled out the form and gathered your documents, submit them to the NDIS. You can send these via mail or hand them in at an NDIS office.
Step 4: NDIS Decision After reviewing your application, the NDIS will decide if you are eligible to become a participant. This decision typically comes within 21 days from when they receive your completed application.
Step 5: Plan Creation If approved, you'll be contacted to set up a planning meeting. Here, you’ll discuss your needs and goals. This meeting can be done over the phone or face-to-face. The outcome is your NDIS plan, which outlines the supports funded by the NDIS.
Step 6: Using Your Plan Once your plan is approved, you can begin to implement and utilise your NDIS funding. This involves choosing service providers and managing your funding. You can manage your plan yourself, get help from a Plan Manager, or let the NDIA manage it for you.
Step 7: Plan Review Your plan is usually reviewed annually, this review is a chance to assess what’s working in your plan and what might need changing based on changing needs or goals.
Take Your Next Step:
Navigating through these steps can seem daunting at first, but remember, each step is designed to ensure that you receive the support that best suits your individual needs. Together, we can empower you to achieve your goals and thrive within your community. As always, reaching out for assistance from support coordinators or local area coordinators can smooth out this journey considerably. Ready to get started?
Click here for information on applying for access - https://www.ndis.gov.au/applying-access-ndis