Access the NDIS

What is the NDIS? 

The NDIS is the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The NDIS provides support to eligible people with intellectual, physical, sensory, cognitive, and psychosocial disability. The NDIS provides reasonable and necessary funding to people with a permanent and significant disability to access the supports and services they need to live and enjoy their life. 

Every NDIS participant has an individual plan that lists their goals and funding – usually these are reviewed every year or two. NDIS participants use their funding to purchase supports and services to help them achieve their goals. Everyone has different goals. Goals might include things like volunteering, getting and keeping a job, making friends or participating in a local community activity. They might include things like, learning to talk in sentences, understanding instructions or building and maintaining friendships. 

Am I eligible for the NDIS? 

To apply for the NDIS you must be aged under 65 years. You must also have a permanent and significant disability that substantially impacts how you manage your day-to-day activities. 

If you are not substantially impacted by your disability the NDIS might also be able to help you for shorter time periods because they can see that this help would benefit you and would mean you won’t need help for a longer period of time – this includes adults and children. 

If NDIS say you are not eligible for help you are allowed to ask them to look at your application again. You can speak with a Support Coordinator or Social Worker at Croften to help advocate for your needs by calling 1800 319 858 or emailing us at admin@croftencare.com.au. 

The NDIS provide an eligibility checklist that you can find here.

How do I apply for the NDIS? 

You can call the NDIS on 1800 800 110 to make an Access Request. You can also submit an Access Request form which is available by clicking here. 

You may be asked to provide some additional information after you make your Access Request. This may include information about your disability and how it impacts on your day-to-day life. You can provide copies of existing information, including letters or reports, or you can ask your treating health professional to fill out and sign a form. 

I have my NDIS plan, how do I access services?

Once you have your NDIS plan, you can start to look for services to provide you with help and supports. You might like to ask your Support Coordinator or Local Area Coordinator to assist you in this process. To find NDIS registered providers, you can search the Provider Finder on the NDIS website by clicking here and selecting that state and territory that you live in. 

You might want to research providers on the internet, check reviews, get advice from friends or family and speak with different providers either face-to-face or over the phone before you agree to work with them. Each provider will be different, so it is important to find a provider who can meet your needs and provide the support services that you want to access. 

What is myplace? 

Myplace is the NDIS portal for participants. It’s a secure website where you can access your NDIS information. From myplace you can view your NDIS Plan, check your contact details, create and view payment requests, share your plan with a service provider and also find service providers to deliver your supports. 

You need a myGov account to sign in to myplace. You might already have a myGov account for Medicare, the Australian Tax Office or Centrelink. 

Do I need to share my plan with my provider? 

You do not have to give anyone a copy of your NDIS plan. Sharing your plan is your choice. If you want to, you can choose to share parts or all of your plan with your service providers. You may want to share information about you and your goals, so your provider knows what you want to achieve and how you would like them to assist you. You might want to leave out the financial section. 

NDIS providers must follow privacy rules and should not share your personal information with anyone else without your permission. If you have concerns about your privacy, speak to your provider about their privacy policy and rules.  

To view Croften Care Privacy Policy please click here. 

What is a Service Agreement? 

A Service Agreement is an agreement between a provider and a participant. The NDIA recommends having a written service agreement so participants and providers are clear about what each party has agreed to. Service agreements help make sure the participant and provider have the same expectations of what supports will be delivered and how they will be delivered. 

It is important that you understand what is written in a Service Agreement. If you need assistance, you can speak with your Support Coordinator or the provider to ask questions about the Service Agreement. 

The NDIS have created a handy video explaining what a service agreement is, you can watch it by selecting here.

Can I change my NDIS provider? 

Absolutely! The NDIS is all about choice and control, so you choose who your providers are. If you want to change providers, you should discuss this with your current provider and review your Service Agreement with them. Depending on the Service Agreement, you might need to give your current provider a period of notice before you can change. 

If you are unsure about this process, or need to change your provider because you do not feel safe or respected, you can contact the NDIA on 1800 800 110 or you can talk to the NDIS Quality and Safeguard Commission on 1800 035 544. A Support Coordinator can also take control of these uncomfortable conversations if you want them to. Feel free to contact us if you want support for this 1800 319 858.