How to Access Disability Services: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you or someone in your family has experienced a new injury or situation that requires disability support services, you may be feeling overwhelmed with the amount of research needed to find the right help. It's hard to know where to start.

The NDIS is not a benefits program. It is an initiative created to aid individuals in developing their abilities and becoming more independent over time.

If you're looking to access NDIS services in Melbourne
, this blog will act as your step-by-step guide and answer all your questions. The first thing to do is see if you or your family member is qualified for disability support services.

Eligibility to Access NDIS services in Melbourne:

For ages 9 to 65, a local area coordinator can assist you in understanding the NDIS, help you apply and link up with other government and community services.

For kids under the age of 9, an early childhood partner can provide aid and assistance before they apply for NDIS. Additionally, they can help families decide if NDIS is the right choice for their child.

You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder as the NDIS is only available to the aforementioned categories.

To be eligible for the NDIS, people must have a disability caused by a long-term health issue. This might include intellectual disabilities, cognitive issues, neurological impairments, sensory problems, physical challenges, and psychosocial difficulties.

If you typically require assistance with everyday tasks, then you may qualify for disability benefits. You could also be eligible if you need some support currently to reduce your future dependence on help or to help give your family the confidence they need to provide assistance.

Lastly, you need to live in Australia to be able to access NDIS services in Melbourne. The next step is to make access requests if you believe you're eligible.

NDIS Access Request:

To become a part of the NDIS, you must meet certain requirements. This includes being within an area that offers the scheme, your age, residence status and the extent of your disability.

Additionally, those who believe they may be qualified for the NDIS should download the Access Request Form (ARF) and Supporting Evidence Form (SEF). They can then work with their medical team, such as their general practitioner, allied health professionals, and specialists to compile and furnish the required information.

To get access to the NDIA, dial 1800 800 110 and make a verbal request. Alternatively, you can download the Access Request Form (ARF) from your computer, fill it out, and email it along with any supporting documents to the NDIA. If that option is unavailable, reach out to NAT@ndis.gov.au and ask for an ARF to be mailed to you.

Staff from NDIA and local Community Partners can assist you in the application process. For a referral to an NDIS partner, reach out to the National Contact Centre at 1800 800 110.

If eligible:

If you or your relative qualify for the NDIS, then a decision letter will be sent to you. Afterward, someone from the NDIS will contact you to schedule a planning meeting-- which may take place over the phone or in person. The goal of this meeting is to discover what kinds of disability support services are necessary for you or your family member.

To learn more about you, they will likely inquire about your day-to-day experiences, and the kinds of assistance you have right now. They may even ask what sort of help you feel you need. Plus, they could question whether specific things are working for you or not. Lastly, they might request information regarding your objectives for the near future.

At the meeting, the planner will ask how you would like to get your NDIS plan. It can be sent by email or regular mail. You also have the option of requesting different accessible formats including Braille, electronic text (on CD), large print or audio (on CD), and translations into other languages.

Your NDIS plan is essential:

Your NDIS plan comes complete with personal information that pertains only to you. That includes your residing address, the names of those who take care of you, as well as an explanation of the nature of your disability and what you typically do on a day-to-day basis.

In the plan, you should include those who provide you with informal assistance: your family, friends, and any government services or community organizations that are available to you. This can include support groups, health centers, public libraries, and transport options.

Your NDIS plan details your short and long-term aims as well as the funding you will receive in different support categories to get disability support services, such as Capacity Building, Core support, and Capital support.