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General Information and Links

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a major reform of disability services in Australia.  It is a new way of providing to eligible people living with a disability, their families and carers in Australia. It focuses on the individual’s needs and goals and replaces the old ‘block’ funding system where the funds went to the organisations providing support.

 

NDIS Ready

How do you get NDIS Ready?  Click here and find out information on the NDIS and resources.  There are access details for each State.

 

My NDIS Pathway

This guide to becoming an NDIS participant explains a participant’s journey through the NDIS, dividing it into five stages: What is the NDIS?; Can I access the NDIS?; My First Plan; Starting my plan; Reviewing my Plan.

·         My NDIS Pathway - a guide to being an NDIS participant (PDF 370KB)

 

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible for the NDIS a person must meet the following criteria:·         
  • Have a permanent disability that significantly affects their ability to take part in everyday activities;
  • Be aged less than 65 when they first enter the NDIS;
  • Be an Australian Citizen or permanent visa or protected Special Category visa; and
  • Live in Australia where the NDIS is available.

Click here for further information about eligibility or complete the NDIS Access Checklist.

For details about eligibility for early intervention please go to our Early Intervention Information.

 

NDIS Factsheets

For factsheets on various topics including specific State information and Easy English versions.


Easy English Versions of NDIS Documents


NDIS Upcoming Events

To find out about NDIS events near you.

 

State Based NDIS Websites

These State based websites have information specific to their State including rollout details.

NSW     VIC     WA

 

Local Area Coordinators (LACs)

There are two uses of the term LACs within the NDIS.

Local Area Coordinator (LAC) - Local Area Coordinators conduct community capacity and awareness building activities, and assist, if necessary, in the coordination and sourcing of participant supports. LACs are involved with the Information, Linkages and Capacity (ILC) Building and assist participants and non-participants to access mainstream services.

Local Area Coordinator (LAC) in some states is different - In regions of NSW, VIC and TAS the LAC works directly with participants or their family/carer to collect data and complete a scheme questionnaire, and then submits that information to the NDIS planner to prepare your plan. Policy states there will only be one Local Area Coordination Partner appointed in each Service Area.  They also support and assist participants by providing information, linking to local community networks, finding solutions to meet your goals and needs, and promoting independence, empowerment and involvement.

 

NDIA Release 16 LAC and ECEI Tenders – ACT and areas of QLD, VIC, SA

Find out more about the recently released tenders for LAC and Early Intervention Services.

 

The current LAC Partners in Victoria are:

North East Melbourne LAC Brotherhood of St. Lawrence

Central Highlands LAC - Latrobe Community Health Service

Loddon LAC - Intereach

 

The current LAC Partners in NSW are:

Neppean Blue Mountains LAC – Uniting

Northern Sydney LAC – Uniting

Western Sydney LAC – Uniting

Southern NSW LAC – Uniting

Illawarra Shoalhaven LAC – Uniting

South Western Sydney LAC – St Vincent de Paul

Sydney LAC – St Vincent de Paul

Central Coast LAC – St Vincent de Paul

Hunter New England LAC – St Vincent de Paul

South East Sydney LAC – St Vincent de Paul

 

The current LAC Partners in TAS are:

North West Tasmania - Mission Australia

South East Tasmania - Mission Australia

North Tasmania – Baptcare

South West Tasmania – Baptcare

 

How will you manage your plan?

Self-manage

If you self-manage your plan the NDIS will pay you or your nominee directly for supports claimed from your plan.  You have the flexibility to choose providers who are not NDIS registered and NDIA price guide does not determine prices.  You will be responsible for paying of invoices; setting up service agreements with every provider you use; you will need to keep your receipts and invoices to claim reimbursements and you will be responsible for reporting to the NDIA on the funds you spend. Please read self-managing budgets in your plan.

 

Agency manage

If you agency manage your plan the NDIS will pay your support provider directly.  You are restricted to select service providers who are registered with the NDIA.

 

Use a Plan Management Provider

If you use a Plan Management Provider to manage your plan the NDIS will pay your Plan Manager directly for these supports.  They are paid from NDIS funds to take care of your NDIS funds, pay your invoices and do any administration work, organise appointments and assist you find providers. You have the flexibility to choose providers who are not NDIS registered and NDIA price guide does not determine prices.  Plan Management Providers can reduce your stress.

 

Combination of Above

You can also have a combination of plan management types above.  For example, it is possible for you to choose to self manage specific items in your plan and agency manage others.  Speak to your planner about what is best for you.

 

Not happy with your Plan - Internal Review of a Decision

If you think a decision made by the NDIA about you is wrong, you can ask for an internal review of a decision.



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