What is the NDIS?

The NDIS or National Disability Insurance Scheme, offers a fresh approach for individuals under 65 with disabilities to access necessary care and support.

It’s designed for those with permanent and significant disabilities that affect their daily activities. Eligible individuals determine the reasonable and necessary support they require to fulfill their goals and live independently. Funding is then provided to cover these supports.

Find more information on the NDIS website.

Who is eligible for the NDIS?

To qualify for the NDIS, you must:

  • Be under 65 years old when applying
  • Hold Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or a Protected Special Category Visa if you’re a New Zealand citizen
  • Have a permanent disability that greatly impacts communication, mobility, self-care, or daily management
  • Consideration for eligibility may also include early intervention if it could significantly enhance functioning or delay decline, especially for children.

National Disability Insurance Scheme

At Forever Care Disability Centre, we’re here to navigate the NDIS world with you. While it may seem complex, don’t worry! Let us simplify it for you and guide you through the process.

Why was the NDIS introduced?

Before the NDIS, disability services in Australia were uneven and unpredictable. Funding varied based on factors like how and when the disability occurred, and where you lived. This led to some receiving adequate support while others got none at all, which wasn’t fair.

After a government inquiry, it was agreed that people with disabilities deserved a fairer and more empowering system. Thus, in July 2013, the NDIS was launched, completing its nationwide rollout by mid-2020.

What supports can you receive through the NDIS?

The NDIS offers funding for various needs like employment, early intervention, accommodation, and activities. You have the freedom to decide when, where, and with whom you receive these supports.

Check out Our NDIS disability services.

Registered NDIS Provider

Expanding the NDIS Market and Workforce Strategy

The NDIS is a significant social reform in Australia, empowering people with disabilities with choice and control while also stimulating economic growth through new business and job opportunities.

NDIS FAQs

In July 2013, the NDIS was introduced and was rolled out across Australia over a number of years. The rollout was completed in mid 2020. Read more about the NDIS rollout here.

The NDIA is the National Disability Insurance Agency. It is a government agency and its role is to implement and manage the NDIS and make sure people with disability continue to get the support they need.

Forever Care Disability Centre (formerly House with No Steps and the Tipping Foundation) was one of the largest service providers to provide NDIS support. We have been providing NDIS support since 2013, and we since that time we have supported thousands of people with their NDIS plans.

There are 3 different ways you can manage your NDIS plan. You don’t have to choose only one of these options. You can use a combination. For example, you might self-manage some parts of your plan while the NDIA may look after other parts.

The three options are:

  • Your plan is managed by someone from the NDIA
  • Your plan is managed by a Plan Manager
  • You manage your NDIS plan

Yes you can! If you are not happy with the disability service provider, you can change to make sure you are getting the support you need.

Yes! You can invite family members to be a part of your planning process and really every step of the way. You might like your family members included a lot, or a little – the choice is yours.

If you are not eligible for NDIS funding, you may still be able to access Forever Care Disability Centre services. We do accept funding from other funding bodies on a case-by-case basis. Please give us a call on 0450 332 333 to discuss your options.

The NDIS will only fund reasonable and necessary home modifications. This often means they will give you funding to help you use certain rooms in your home such as your bedroom, living area, meal area and bathroom.

Some examples of common modifications are:

  • Ramps Lifting platforms
  • Stair climbers
  • Hand rails
  • Bathroom modifications such as removal of a bath or enlarging a shower
  • Widening doorways
  • Kitchen modifications.

The NDIS also only funds home modifications to a person’s primary residence. If you are renting, the owner must provide a written agreement and you will also need to intend on living there into the future. Before the NDIS will fund modifications, other possible solutions such as assistive technology will also be looked at. For example, bathroom modifications won’t be funded if equipment, such as a shower stool, could make the bathroom safe and accessible for you.

If you are not able to use public transport because of your disability, you may be able to get NDIS funding to cover transport such as taxis. If you previously received funding through a taxi subsidy scheme, the NDIA will also take this into account. The NDIS will not provide funding to carers or family members to transport a person with a disability to everyday commitments. The NDIS can also fund supports that help you build confidence and learn how to travel or use public transport independently. For example, if your goal is to get your driver’s licence, the NDIS may be able to support you to achieve this.