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What is the NDIS?The National Disability Insurance scheme ( NDIS ) offers support to people living with a disability. The NDIS aims to enable people living with disabilities the opportunity to live a good fulfilling life, be socially included in their communities, participate in the workforce and gain access to the supports they need related to their disability. Australians living with disabilities accessing NDIS supports are often referred to as NDIS participants. The funding provided by the NDIS is used to purchase disability supports. The National Disability Insurance Agency ( NDIA ) is the government agency responsible for implementing the scheme. NDIA Planners and Local Area Coordinators are employed by the NDIS to meet with people with disabilities and their families. Their job is to create individualised funding plans that are based on that person’s life circumstances, goals and impact of their disability and to ensure they are connected to the necessary support services. NDIS participants can use this funding to choose their providers and access the services that meet their individual needs. The outcomes of NDIS supports are measured over time and reassessed at the end of each NDIS plan. Plans normally last for a period of 1-2 years. https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/what-ndis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZOjPBJiBPg
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What supports do the NDIS fund?From 3 October, participants will only be able to use their NDIS funds for items listed as approved supports. There is also a list of things NDIS funding cannot be used for. In some circumstances, participants may be able to request a substitution from the replacement support list. Refer to the NDIS website link below: https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/supports-funded-ndis
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How will I know if I am eligible for accessing the NDIS?To be eligible for the NDIS you generally need to meet the following criteria: Be an Australian citizen Under 65 years of age Permanently impacted by your disability across a number of areas in your life The NDIS will only provide funding to support you if you can demonstrate that you have a permanent disability that impacts you across a number of areas in your life including but not limited to the following:Self-care – for example – showering, dressing eating Self-care – for example – showering, dressing eating Accessing the community Working and studying Social connections – forming friendships and relationships with others Maintaining your mental and physical health and wellbeing Ability to live independently or with others The NDIS will assess your eligibility under one or more of the following impairment categories: Physical Intellectual Cognitive Neurogical Visual Hearing Psychosocial The NDIS can support you if you have a permanent disability that impacts you across a number of areas of your life. Each person’s NDIS funding and support will be based on their individual circumstances, needs and goals. How the NDIS can help looks different for everyone. If you would like to apply for NDIS funding click on the links below to access the NDIS website for more information: Document – Applying for the NDIS – Booklets 1 - 3 https://www.ndis.gov.au/how-apply-ndis/what-access-request-form
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NDIS Legislation & EligibilityWhat are the new changes to the NDIS legislation? https://www.ndis.gov.au/changes-ndis-legislation What happens if the NDIS checks your NDIS eligibility? https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/home/becoming-participant/leaving-ndis/are-you-still-eligible-ndis/what-happens-if-we-check-your-ndis-eligibility How does the NDIS decide if you're still eligible for the NDIS? https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/home/becoming-participant/leaving-ndis/are-you-still-eligible-ndis/how-do-we-decide-if-youre-still-eligible-ndis How much time will you have to give the NDIS more evidence? https://ourguidelines.ndis.gov.au/home/becoming-participant/leaving-ndis/are-you-still-eligible-ndis/how-much-time-will-you-have-give-us-more-evidence
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Are there any recommendations when applying to the NDIS?Be as detailed as possible when completing your Access Request Form Make appointments with your medical professionals ( GP, Specialists, Allied Health Professionals ) to help you complete the form. The NDIS website has further information on the role health professionals have to play in the NDIS and during the the access stage. Please see link to document below: Document - A GP & Health Professional’s guide to the NDIS Include reports from your medical professionals to attach with the Access RequestForm. This is evidence that will be required. Ensure that the reports completed by your medical professionals meet the Reasonable and Necessary Criteria: Is directly related to your disability Is not an every day living cost not related to your disability support needs, such as paying for groceries or rent Represents value for money Is effective and works for the participant Takes into account other support given to you by other government services, your family, carers, networks and the community It is important that the NDIA have an accurate understanding of how your disability impacts your life so ensure that when you fill in the Access Request Form you describe the days where you are impacted most by your disability. Submit your Access Request Form before you turn 65 years of age, otherwise you will not be eligible. If you are over 65 years of age you be able to seek support through the Health and Aged Care system. Remember your Access Request form needs to specifically contain the wording that shows your disability falls under one or more of the impairment categories, is permanent and has a significant functional impact on your ability to complete day to day tasks. If you would like to apply for NDIS funding you can contact the NDIA directly: Download and complete the Access Request Form from the NDIS website, https://www.ndis.gov.au/how-apply-ndis/what-access-request-form and email it to the NDIA at enquiries@ndis.gov.au with your supporting documentation. Download the Access Request Form from the NDIS website: https://www.ndis.gov.au/how-apply-ndis/what-access-request-form print out the form, complete it and mail it to the NDIA at post to GPO Box 700, Canberra, ACT 2601 with your supporting documentation Email NAT@ndis.gov.au and ask for an Access Request Form to be mailed to you Contact the NDIA by phone on 1800 800 110 and ask for an Access Request Form to be mailed to you
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What are common goals that the NDIS can support me with?Becoming more independent Improving health and fitness Improving Social Skills Developing friendships Participating in the community Finding and maintaining a job Studying at school, university or TAFE Moving out of home Remaining in your own home
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How do I work out what I want out of my NDIS plan and what my goals are?An important part of your NDIS Plan will be your goals. It is important to go into your planning meeting with an idea about what you hope to achieve using the funding NDIA allocate to you. Using the SMART goals concept will help you create, define and measure your goals. This will help your NDIS Planner define the supports you need to help you achieve your goals. Watch this clip for more information about SMART goals: https://youtu.be/VZXcKyevXKM
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Can I ask for Support Coordination to be included in my NDIS plan?Yes, you can definitely request support coordination funding be provided in your plan by outlining the barriers and challenges you face in your day to day life which impacts your ability to understand and use your NDIS plan funding to meet your support needs. The decision on whether to include Support Cooridnation funding in an NDIS plan or not is ultimately the decision of the NDIA. Not everyone is eligible for Support Coordination funding in their NDIS plan, so for your best chance of having it included you should highlight the reasons why you may need it. For example: Related directly to your Disability due to: Communication challenges Changing or high health needs Complex support needs Multiple disabilities Related to your Social Situation/Support Network Your family situation Other members of your family also have disabilities Limited or no informal support networks Related to your limited experience exercising choice and control, including knowing how to: Select providers, including allied health professionals Provide feedback to your providers Be an active partner in your therapy Provide compliments and feedback to your providers Understand and manage your NDIS plan budget Related to your personal situation You have cultural or language barriers You are a young person in an aged care facility You are new to the NDIS and its processes
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What is a Service Agreement?A Service Agreement is a document which allows the participant and provider to have a clear understanding about what each party has agreed to.
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What information is in a Service Agreement?Best practice is for the Service Agreement to contain the following: The period/length of time the service agreement covers The rights and responsibilities of both the service provider and their client The conditions of service (this should include things like cancellation requirements, travel costs, and adjusting the agreement) How to provide feedback and make a complaint An outline of costs that can be incurred An outline of what supports the agreement covers The estimated cost of each service and the total cost of the servicescovered in the agreement Where invoices will be sent (this can include permission to do a service booking if the client is plan managed or agency managed)
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Do I need to have a Service Agreement?You will have a separate Service Agreement with each provider you engage with. It is in your best interests to have a Service Agreement in place to ensure both parties are clear on the arrangement that is made regarding costs and services being provided. For more information – refer to NDIS website link below: https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/working-provider/connecting-participants/service-agreements
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How do I pay for the supports and services provided to me?NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits may be helpful when you are working out what you are willing to pay for a support. This sets the maximum price that providers registered with the NDIS can charge for specific supports. The Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits are updated each year on 1 July. For further information click on the NDIS website link below: https://www.ndis.gov.au/providers/pricing-arrangements https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan/self-management/paying-your-supports https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/working-providers/providers-and-pricing
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How do I know if I am being charged the correct amount for services?The NDIA is responsible for setting price limits for many of the supports that your providers deliver. Pricing arrangements are the rules around when and how a provider can claim for supports and services from your NDIS funds. The NDIS price limits and pricing arrangements help you get reasonable value for money from your plan funds. For further information click on the NDIS website link below: https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/working-providers/providers-and-pricing
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Can I get my NDIS plan in a different format that works better for me?Yes, the NDIS can provide your plan using the following alternative formats: Braille Electronic text (on cd) Large print Audio (on CD or USB) Please see NDIS link below: https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan/receiving-your-approved-plan/your-plan-other-formats
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How do you link the National Disability Insurance Scheme to your myGov account?To use the NDIS participant portals (either myplace portal or the my NDIS portal), you need to link NDIS to myGov. You’ll need to use your activation code to link to myGov and access either portal through myGov for the first time. This activation code is valid for 10 days only. Follow these steps to link NDIS to myGov: Get an activation code by either: Calling the NDIS on 1800 800 110 Contacting the NDIS through the NDIS website. Sign in to myGov. Select Services. Select Link on the National Disability Insurance Scheme tile. Enter your NDIS Activation Code, your details and then select Submit. Read the Terms and conditions and confirm you have read and agree to them. Select I Agree. Read the Privacy notice and confirm you have read and agree with it. Select I Agree. You are now able to use either participant portal. Find out more about how to use the myplace portal and my NDIS portal on the National Disability Insurance Scheme website.
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How do I Log into the myplace participant portal?:Visit the NDIS website via the link below: https://improvements.ndis.gov.au/participants/my-ndis-participant-portal-and-app Or alternatively view the below video for instructions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWg-Cw-DuVU
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What if I don’t understand what some of the NDIS terminology means. Is there a definition or glossary of the words used?Yes, the NDIS uses a lot of language that can sound complicated. Please refer to the NDIS website link below for further definitions: https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/glossary
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Where can I have more of my questions answered?Further Frequently asked questions from the NDIS website: https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/policies/privacy/frequently-asked-questions
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What are SMART goals?SMART is an acronym that stands for: S = Specific M = Measurable A = Attainable R = Relevant T = Time-Bound Your goal must be specific. Be as clear as possible, because you have to be able to determine exactly what it is you are required to do. To ensure your goal is as specific as it can be, consider the 5W’s: Who = who is involved in achieving this goal? What = what exactly do you want to achieve? Where = where will this happen? When = when will you achieve this goal? Why = why do you want to achieve this goal? M= Measurable The only way to know whether or not your goal was successful is to measure it. For example, “I will go to the gym twice a week for the next six months”. For this goal to be successful, you will go to the gym two times a week for the next six months. If you only go once a week, for four months, you will not have achieved this goal. The numbers don’t work or measure up. A= Attainable It’s great to have big dreams but you want your goals to be within the realms of possibility, so that there is a greater chance of you achieving them. R= Relevant Your goal needs to something you want to achieve personally or else, what’s the point of doing it? A SMART goal needs to be important to you. If it’s important to you then you will be more motivated to achieve it. T= Time-Bound Your goals need a deadline, without one, it’s less likely to be achieved. A deadline provides a sense of urgency that can motivate you towards the end. The time given to achieve a goal must be realistic. Don’t give yourself a month if it takes two months to achieve it.
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How NDIS funding helps achieve goals?If your goal is to improve your physical health by going to the gym twice a week for a year, like the example above, NDIS will fund the supports you need to help you achieve this goal. This might be a support worker to help you get to the gym twice a week. If you’re goal is to learn to cook simple meals at home, NDIS will fund a support worker to come to your house and support you to learn how to cook. NB. NDIS fund the supports you need to help you achieve your goal. Funding does not cover the cost of your goal. Ie. Gym membership or food to cook with.
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How NDIS funding helps achieve goals?If your goal is to improve your physical health by going to the gym twice a week for a year, like the example above, NDIS will fund the supports you need to help you achieve this goal. This might be a support worker to help you get to the gym twice a week. If you’re goal is to learn to cook simple meals at home, NDIS will fund a support worker to come to your house and support you to learn how to cook. NB. NDIS fund the supports you need to help you achieve your goal. Funding does not cover the cost of your goal. Ie. Gym membership or food to cook with.
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How many goals do I need for my NDIS plan?It’s a good idea to have four or five important goals in your plan. Don’t forget your goals can be short-term, which means you aim to achieve them within 12 months. Or they could be long-term goals, which will take you longer than 12 months to achieve. Here is a SMART goals template to help you get started! https://www.smartsheet.com/file/ic-smart-goals-worksheet-template- 8542dotx?srsltid=AfmBOoqsnzRlV0ExCTY56jE1Ut3-AS0Tt9utt0iKuaQQ_gNWhsqsPZWd
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How many goals do I need for my NDIS plan?It’s a good idea to have four or five important goals in your plan. Don’t forget your goals can be short-term, which means you aim to achieve them within 12 months. Or they could be long-term goals, which will take you longer than 12 months to achieve. Here is a SMART goals template to help you get started: https://www.smartsheet.com/file/ic-smart-goals-worksheet-template-8542dotx?srsltid=AfmBOoqsnzRlV0ExCTY56jE1Ut3-AS0Tt9utt0iKuaQQ_gNWhsqsPZWd
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What is Support Coordination?Support Coordination helps you to make the best use of your NDIS plan. Support Coordination is a Capacity building support which helps you to – Understand and use your NDIS plan to pursue your goals Choose and connect to NDIS providers, community, mainstream and other government services Build your confidence and skills to use and coordinate your supports Build your independence The NDIS describes support coordination in the following short video: Link to NDIS you tube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSbHanbKlAs
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Are there different types of Support Coordination?Support Connection This support is to build your ability to connect with informal, community and funded supports enabling you to get the most out of your plan and pursue your goals. Support Coordination – Coordination of Supports: This support will assist you to build the skills you need to understand and use your plan. A support coordinator will work with you to ensure a mix of supports are used to increase your capacity to maintain relationships, manage service delivery tasks, live more independently and be included in your community. Specialist Support Coordination This is a higher level of support coordination. It is for people whose situations are more complex and who need specialist support. A specialist Support Coordinator will assist you to manage challenges in your support environment and ensuring consistent delivery of service.
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How will I know if I have been funded for Support Coordination?Support Coordination will be listed as Support Coordination and the level specified in the Capacity building budget in your plan. It will show an allocation of funding for how many hours of support you have been provided with.
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What if I don’t have Support Coordination funded in my plan?Your NDIS funding is based on what is considered Reasonable and Necessary to pursue your goals, in additional to support provided by your family, friends, and other community and government services. Where considered reasonable and necessary, support coordination can be included in the Capacity Building budget of your NDIS plan. This is a fixed amount for a Support Coordinator to help you use your plan and connect to services. You will need to contact either your Local Area Coordinator ( LAC ) or National Disability Insurance Agency ( NDIS ) Planner to request Support Coordination be added into your plan. The contact details should be available in your NDIS plan, however if you don’t have their contact details you can call the NDIA on 1800 800 110 or ask someone in your support network if they can assist you. Whether to fund Support Coordination in your plan or not is a decision made by the NDIA. Not everyone has funding for Support Coordination. There are a number of factors the NDIA will consider when making the decision to fund Support Coordination. This is generally provided if participants are unable to connect to services on their own, for example, if you have ageing carers, speak another language other than English, or have complex support needs with a lot of providers. You can request for Support Coordination funding to be included in your plan by expressing the barriers and challenges you experience to your LAC or NDIS Planner. You can advise them of your request during your plan reassessment meeting or you can contact them to arrange a check in meeting to discuss your needs.
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Where can I find more information about Support Coordination?The NDIS website has a number of pages explaining Support Coordination as follows: https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan/who-can-help-start-your-plan/support-coordination https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/using-your-plan/who-can-help-start-your-plan/support-coordination/finding-support-coordinator You can also access further information on our Resources page: https://www.nolimittssc.org.au/resources
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What if I have a Support Coordinator but I want to change to another Support Coordinator?You can change Support Coordinators at any time. Keep in mind that you will need to follow the process in your signed service agreement with your current Support Coordinator. You may also need to update and end your service booking with them and create a new service booking with your new Support Coordinator. You can discuss this with your current Support Coordinator, however if you don’t feel comfortable doing this you can ask someone in your support network, your LAC or NDIS Planner to help you.
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What if I want to change Support Coordinators and want No Limitts Support Coordination to provide me with Support Coordination?Simply follow these easy steps: Contact our friendly team by phone, email or filling in a referral form from this website. We will guide you through the process of changing Support Coordinators. We will contact your current Support Coordinator to arrange a handover and ensure there are no disruptions to your existing support services during your transition. We will contact your service providers and therapists to advise them that we are your new Support Coordinator contact.
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What are my options for managing my funding?Self Managed – Either you, your plan nominee or child representative, manage and pay your providers. You can choose registered or unregistered providers A registered Plan Manager – manages the funding and pays your providers. You can choose registered or unregistered providers Agency-Managed – the NDIS manages your funding and pays your providers. You can only choose registered providers
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Can I have a mix of options for managing my plan?Yes, for example, you might like the NDIS to manage some of your funding and a Plan Manager to manage the rest.
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Can I make the decision on how my funding is managed?Yes, however in some circumstances the NDIA may include some supports as NDIA (agency) managed so only NDIS registered organisations can provide the support. For example, when a participant lives in a Supported Independent Living arrangement.
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Can I ask for a change in the way my funds are being managed if I change my mind?Yes, you can request this through completing a Change in Situation form and submitting this with the NDIA. Your LAC or Support Coordinator can assist you to do this. Alternatively, you can call the NDIS on 1800 800
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How do I find out more information about how my plan can be managed?You can go to the NDIA website: https://www.ndis.gov.au/participants/creating-your-plan/ways-manage-your-funding Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KT3g3sf6-I or you can access the Factsheet: Managing your funding in our Resources section: https://www.nolimittssc.org.au/resources
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What is a Registered provider?An NDIS registered provider has been through an NDIS registration process which means they have been independently audited by an Approved Quality Auditor against the NDIS Practice Standards and Quality and Safeguards Commission. This gives you the assurance that the services of the provider meet a high level of quality and safety
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What are the Pros and cons of using a registered service provider?Pros Quality assurance: The NDIS commission has audited the business so you can feel confident that the supports or services that offer are of high-quality. Anyone can access: Can be accessed if you are NDIA-managed, plan-managed or self-managed. Qualifications: Providers need certain qualifications and checks to have their registration approved. Cons Limited choice: Newer, smaller organisations or independent workers are unlikely to be registered. Waiting time: Occasionally it may take a little longer to be seen by the provider due to the high demand for NDIS-registered providers.
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What is an Unregistered provider?An unregistered provider has not been through a registration process. A provider may not choose to register with the NDIA for a number of reasons, including cost, significant To use an unregistered provider you must self-manage or plan-manage your NDIS funding. If you choose to NDIA manage your funding you only have the option of using NDIS registered providers.
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What are the Pros and cons of using an unregistered service provider?Pros Greater choice: You have the freedom to hire any NDIS provider of your choice with an ABN. Unique services: Unregistered providers are often smaller businesses that might offer more specialised or unique services. Continuation of services: If you are new to the NDIS and have been using providers who you are happy with, you can continue to access their services if they are not registered. Cons Quality is not regulated: Unregistered providers must adhere to the NDIS code of conduct, however, they have not been audited by the NDIS quality and safeguards commission. Depending on how your plan is managed, you may not be able to access unregistered NDIS providers. For the small percentage of participants who opt for an agency-managed plan (managed by the NDIA), you cannot access unregistered providers.
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What is a Disability Advocate?https://www.dss.gov.au/system/files/resources/disability-advocacy-fact-sheet.pdf
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What is a Guardian and what is a Nominee?https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/families-and-carers/guardians-and-nominees-explained
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Is there a summary of the new legislation changes?https://www.ndis.gov.au/changes-ndis-legislation/summary-legislation-changes
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Is there help for carers?https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/ https://www.carerswa.asn.au/
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