What Is The Process For Registering For The NDIS?
People with disability gain significantly from having access to mainstream services and assistance. As a result, they can better participate in society and achieve their goals. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) connects people with disability with relevant support services through delegated funding – and is highly beneficial for both people with disability and carers alike.
However, the application process can be complex. This blog will walk you through the steps involved in registering for the NDIS. In addition, we will provide some helpful tips on what to expect after registration.
What Is The NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government-funded initiative that assists people with physical, sensory, cognitive, and psychosocial disabilities. The objective is to enable people with disability to live more freely in their communities.
The program also aims to lessen the effects of disability or a delay in development, learn new skills, and grow in independence.
How Does The NDIS Registration Process Work?
NDIS registration is a two-part process. The first part is an assessment of your eligibility, and the second part is the actual NDIS registration itself.
NDIS Eligibility Criteria
The NDIS is only available to those who meet the requirements specified below. This procedure ensures that only qualified people get the help and services.
- You must be an Australian citizen, a permanent resident or a protected special category visa holder currently residing in the country.
- You must be under 65 years of age.
- You have a significant long-term disability that limits your capacity to engage in everyday activities, or;
- You have a condition requiring considerable support from others to participate in daily activities.
For children under the age of 7, the NDIS adopts the early childhood approach. This approach was developed on evidence-based research in early childhood intervention, and is applicable for children who do not fully meet the definition of developmental delay or disability yet. It is focused on giving the child the best start in life, and to connect them with supports they may need now and later down the track. You can read more about the early childhood approach guidelines on the official NDIS website here.
NDIS Registration
The NDIS registration process can be completed entirely online. However, if you need assistance accessing or completing the form, you may contact your local NDIS area coordinator or the NDIS office via 1800 800 110.
Here’s how to sign up for the NDIS.
- Download the Access Request form from the NDIS website. Note that it is incompatible with Internet Explorer. Hence, you have to use another browser (such as Safari, Chrome or Firefox) or request NDIS to email you the form.
- Fill out the form and email it to NAT@ndis.gov.au.
In any case, you can contact the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) at 1800-800-110 for NDIS Registration help.
St. Jude’s NDIS services include assistance in your NDIS application process. From assessing your eligibility to filling out the required forms and submitting them, our NDIS support coordinator will guide you to ensure that you get the support you need.
Understanding the NDIS Access Request Form
There are two sections in the Access Request Form. The applicant will complete the first section, while the treating health practitioner will fill out the second.
Since it is a detailed application, you should take the time to gather all of the required information before submitting it. Most importantly, carefully review the document before signing and submitting it. If you cannot electronically sign your application, you may call the NDIS to make a verbal access request.
Changes made after submitting the form will require a re-submission.
What Happens After Submitting The Access Request Form?
Following receipt of your online application, the NDIS Commission will assess it in accordance with the NDIS Act. It is a law that governs and specifies who is eligible for NDIS assistance.
Furthermore, they will ask you a series of questions, including the following:
- Your identity or the authorization of the person acting on your behalf.
- Diagnosis and support requirements.
- Factors affecting your impairment and daily activities
They may also request information from your medical or allied health providers. Alternatively, they may request that you present supporting evidence to obtain additional information.
Make sure to check all the registration requirements before submitting to not cause any delays.
Getting Through the Evaluation
The audit process takes roughly 60 days to finish. If you pass the NDIS commission’s rigorous evaluation, you will receive a written decision and brochures describing the NDIS assistance plan and services.
Remember that everyone’s experience with the NDIS will be different, so please speak to a representative from your local NDIS office if you have any specific questions.
How Do You Proceed If You Do Not Qualify?
If you have more proof or evidence to back up your case and it’s still within the three-month time frame, you can request a reevaluation. Otherwise, you may petition for a formal review of the initial decision.
Can I Re-submit An NDIS Access Request?
NDIS Access Request decisions are based on the current implications of your disability. That may vary over time, particularly if you have a degenerative disease or have been in an accident. Therefore, a new request is possible, especially if your previous registration application was filed more than three months ago.
Always keep an eye on the NDIS commission website for new developments and updates.
Some More FAQs
How long does NDIS registration take?
Once you submit your valid access request, the NDIA has to respond to your request within a 21-day period. In relation to when you will start receiving NDIS funding, the time frames can vary due to each NDIS plan being unique. It can be anywhere between weeks and months.
How to renew NDIS registration?
You need to log into the NDIS Commission Portal and complete an application for renewal. You may have to update your current information if your circumstances have changed, and complete a self-assessment. After your online application is submitted, you will receive an ‘initial scope of audit’ document from the NDIS commission via email and you will then have to engage an approved quality auditor to complete the audit. Following your audit, the NDIS Commission will consider the outcomes of the audit and conduct a suitability assessment for your NDIS registration renewal. For more in-depth information please see the NDIS Commission website.
How much does NDIS registration cost?
NDIS registration is free, however, there may be costs associated with completing NDIS audits.
Can I have 2 NDIS registrations?
No, there is only one NDIS registration allowed per person.
How to check NDIS registration?
If you live in Western Australia, you can check the status of your application by logging into your DoTDirect account. This will vary from state to state, so be sure to check with your relevant state NDIS department if you are wanting to find out the status of your NDIS application. Your final outcome will be communicated to you via letter.
Getting Help From A Registered NDIS Provider
The NDIS registration process can be overwhelming, and it’s only the start of a long process. You want to make sure that you have all the necessary documents and information ready to make sure that everything will go smoothly.
If you’re planning to submit an NDIS application in Western Australia or Queensland, St. Jude’s NDIS Support Coordinators can offer full assistance to ensure that your registration has a good chance of approval.
For many years, St. Jude’s has provided services to people with disabilities and others with long-term health conditions throughout Western Australia and Queensland. We have a comprehensive and adaptable assistance strategy that allows us to work with NDIS participants in locations other than their homes.
Whether you require respite care, disability support, elderly care, or aid with your recovery following an accident, here at St. Jude’s, we are proud to provides the highest-quality NDIS support services.
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