Resources

An Australian citizen, living in Australia, holds a permanent visa and who:

• Has a permanent disability that significantly affects their ability to take part in everyday activities
• Is aged less than 65 when they first access the Scheme.

• You can call the NDIA on 1800 800 110 to find out if you’re eligible. You can also check your eligibility by going to the Eligibility Checklist. If you are eligible, you will be sent forms to complete and return to the NDIA, who will then process your application. If you are already an Achieve client, we are able to work with you through your transition into the NDIS.

If you are successful in your application, you will be required to attend a planning meeting with an NDIA representative who will work with you, using information about your existing disability supports, to develop your plan. Your NDIS plan is a document that outlines your needs, goals, aspirations and disability supports required, including any funding that might be received.

The NDIS will provide funding for core supports for everyday living, Capacity Building supports to improve skills and independence, and Capital to improve access and independence. This is also outlined in your NDIS plan.

The types of supports that the NDIS may fund include:

• Transport to enable participation in community, social, economic and daily life activities
• Workplace help to allow a participant to successfully gain and keep employment or supported employment
• Therapeutic supports including behaviour support
• Help with household tasks to allow you to maintain your home environment
• Help by staff skilled in aids or equipment assessment, set up and training
• Home modification design and installation
• Mobility equipment
• Vehicle modifications.

Managing your plan and funds includes making payments to providers, expense claims processing, invoicing and monthly reports. There are five ways you may choose to manage your plan and funds.

1. NDIA Managed – A service provider of your choice can claim directly from NDIA for the services provided to you.
2. Plan Managed – You may appoint a NDIA Registered Plan Manager to manage the transaction and purchasing process of services.
3. Self-Managed – You or your nominee can manage the funds directly, with responsibility for transactions with your service providers.
4. Automated Payments – Automated Payments can only be made for transport services. Funds can be deposited into a NDIS bank account weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
5. Combination – A combination of the above four options can be used together.

The NDIA can offer advice on using your funding and how to access the services you choose. You can also contact Achieve Australia for advice and support.

Yes. App services offers individually tailored and flexible services to support the needs of people with disability, including those moving onto an NDIS plan.

We can offer you:

• Individualized services tailored to you
• Expertise in providing a broad range of services
• Access to experienced staff who are reliable and responsive
• The benefits of our focus on inclusion and ensuring active community participation and interactions
• Flexibility in service delivery to meet your specific requirements

Supports that focus on delivering results and helping you meet your goals

• The NDIS will be financing the Mobility Allowance, so it is important that your NDIS Plan includes funding that would have previously been paid by Centrelink as an allowance to you for transport. When you transition to the NDIS and your NDIS Plan has been completed, Centrelink will cease providing your Mobility Allowance.
• The NDIA will contact Centrelink on your behalf to check if you are receiving Mobility Allowance. Your ongoing transport supports will then be discussed in your NDIS planning process.

For more information on the NDIS you can visit ndis.gov.au or phone 1800 800 110.

• Get in touch with your Support Coordinator or the NDIA directly and request a change of circumstances plan review meeting. The NDIA will arrange a time to come out and meet with you. At this meeting, make sure to tell the planner that you want your first goal to be finding somewhere else to live.
• Once your plan has been approved, get your Support Coordinator to check with the NDIA if you are SIL eligible (and SDA if required).

SIL stands for Supported Independent Living and it is paid to the organisation that provides your staff support when you receive 24/7 support in a home. It is:

• Funded individually to each person according to their need
• Shared living arrangements of 2-7 participants
• Assistance with daily life tasks in a group or shared living environment
• Reflective of 24-hour care, 7 days per week
• Three levels of support (at benchmark price)
• Cost of support does NOT include rent, board or lodging, day-to-day usual living expenses such as food and activities, personal care supports when the person is hospitalized, or items covered in other sections of the NDIS price guide (e.g. assistive technology or transport costs).

Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) is a payment for bricks and mortar. It is a contribution cost from the NDIA to cover additional costs to a property for specialist home modifications and maintenance. Participants pay a reasonable rent contribution (RRC) to their SDA provider.

• 25% of the Basic Disability Support Pension
• Plus 25% of the Pension Supplement received
• Plus 100% of any Commonwealth Rent Assistance received.

• If you are moving to an APP SDA registered home, you will have to be SDA eligible. SIL is required for all group home accommodation enquiries. 
• If you are unsure if the home you are interested in requires SDA funding, please contact APP Services. 

Your direct support staff provider will liaise with NDIA directly to arrange the SIL funding. A roster of care will be developed with your input (as well as input from any other specialists and support staff). This will then be translated into a monetary value and sent through to the NDIA as a quote.

The SDA funding will be requested by your Support Coordinator. They will develop a Housing Options Report which they will submit to the NDIA. The NDIA will use this alongside a detailed Occupational Therapist report to assess your eligibility for SDA funding.

Both the SIL and SDA funding requests will require additional supporting documentation. This may include (but is not limited to):

• Speech therapist reports
• Occupational therapy reports
• Physiotherapy reports
• Incident reports
• Behaviour reports
• Behaviour support plans
• Medical notes
• Specialist reports.

NDIS funding refers to the financial assistance provided to individuals with disabilities under the NDIS framework. The funding supports people with permanent and significant disabilities, helping them access services and resources tailored to their unique needs. Each participant receives a personalized funding plan based on their goals, disability-related needs, and circumstances. This plan outlines the types of support they can access, such as daily personal activities, transport, home modifications, assistive technology, and employment support.

Categories of NDIS Funding

NDIS funding is divided into three main categories, each serving a distinct purpose:

1. Core Supports: This category covers daily activities and essential services that help individuals with disabilities function more independently. Core supports may include assistance with personal care, transportation, and household tasks. Participants can use this funding flexibly, allocating it to the services that best suit their needs at any given time.
2. Capacity Building Supports: This category focuses on building skills and capabilities, helping individuals with disabilities achieve long-term goals. It includes funding for education, employment services, therapy, and social participation activities. Unlike core supports, capacity-building funding is allocated specifically to particular activities, and participants must use it according to their approved plan.
3. Capital Supports: Capital supports cover larger, one-off expenses, such as assistive technology and home or vehicle modifications. This funding is designed to help individuals acquire equipment or make changes to their environment that enable greater independence.

To access NDIS funding, individuals must first meet eligibility criteria, which include having a permanent disability that significantly affects daily living and participation. Once approved, participants undergo a planning process with the NDIS to create a personalized plan tailored to their needs. This plan outlines the funding participants will receive, and how it can be used.

Participants have flexibility in managing their funds. They can choose from three management options:

• Self-management: Participants control their own funds, paying for services and supports directly.
• Plan management: Participants use a registered plan manager to handle the financial side of things, such as paying providers and managing invoices.
• NDIA-managed funding: The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) directly manages the participant’s funding, paying registered providers on their behalf.

The flexibility of NDIS funding allows participants to choose the services and providers that best meet their needs, providing them with greater autonomy and control over their care.

Maximizing NDIS Funding

To get the most out of NDIS funding, participants should clearly define their goals during the planning process. These goals will guide the types of supports they are eligible for and help them navigate the system. It’s also essential to stay informed about changes in the NDIS, as policies and funding structures may evolve over time. Engaging with NDIS planners, support coordinators, and other professionals can also help participants fully utilize their plans.

Moreover, participants should consider how to best manage their funds. While self-management offers the most flexibility, plan management provides a balance between autonomy and administrative assistance, making it a popular choice for many.

Conclusion

NDIS funding is a powerful tool that enables individuals with disabilities to access essential services and achieve greater independence. By understanding the different types of funding and how to manage them effectively, participants can make informed decisions about their care and support, ensuring that the NDIS continues to enhance their quality of life. Whether through core, capacity-building, or capital supports, the NDIS is designed to empower individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives and achieve their personal goals.