The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is the largest social reform scheme in Australia’s history. The NDIS is a voluntary scheme that supports people with significant disabilities so they can lead an independent life, receive appropriate services and get the support they need.
The NDIS covers all kinds of disabilities, including mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression and schizophrenia. If you have a disability or you care for someone who does and believe you meet the eligibility criteria, read on to see if you qualify for funding from an NDIS provider.
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What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a federal government initiative aimed at providing assistance to people with disabilities. The NDIS provides support so those with disabilities can live independently and achieve their full potential.
The NDIS is a not-for-profit scheme that is not linked to existing government assistance schemes, insurance policies or private health funds. NDIS funding is provided by the government and delivered by contracted providers, including state governments, non-government organizations, private companies and community organizations.
The NDIS aims to support people with all types of disabilities, including physical, sensory, intellectual and mental health conditions.
Who Qualifies for NDIS Funding?
To be eligible to receive National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding, you must be diagnosed with a significant and permanent disability. A significant and permanent disability is one that significantly affects your daily life and has a high chance of lasting for the rest of your life.
A qualified NDIS assessor will determine if your disability is significant and permanent. The table below outlines which disabilities are eligible for NDIS funding. Keep in mind that the NDIS is a complex system and the information below is just a guideline.
You can also contact an NDIS representative to find out if you qualify for funding. Additionally, keep in mind that you may be eligible for other government benefits even if you don’t qualify for the NDIS.
Vision and Hearing Disabilities
If you suffer from blindness or vision impairment, or hearing loss, you may qualify for NDIS funding. Vision impairment refers to any visual impairment that impedes the ability to see, while blindness refers to complete or near-complete inability to see.
Hearing impairment refers to difficulties hearing sounds, while hearing loss refers to a significant reduction in the ability to hear sounds. NDIS funding is provided to people who are profoundly deaf, people with a significant hearing impairment, and people who are losing their vision or hearing. If you are suffering from any of these conditions, it is important to apply for NDIS funding as soon as possible.
Physical Disabilities
A physical disability refers to a health condition that causes ongoing physical impairment. The disability can be congenital or occur later in life as the result of an accident, illness or a non-traumatic injury.
NDIS funding is provided to people with a significant physical disability that impedes their ability to perform everyday tasks. The disability can be congenital or acquired later in life. It is provided to people who suffer from a physical condition, such as amputation, arthritis, autism, cerebral palsy, cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
Mental Health Conditions
A mental health condition refers to a psychological or emotional disorder that interferes with the ability to perform normal daily tasks.
The types of mental health conditions that are eligible for NDIS funding include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
It is provided to people with a mental health condition that significantly interferes with their ability to perform daily functions. The condition can be congenital or acquired later in life.
Confirming Your Disability and NDIS Eligibility
If you believe you may qualify for NDIS funding, it is important to visit your doctor and discuss your condition. Your doctor will determine if you have a significant and permanent disability that interferes with your ability to function.
If you have a significant and permanent disability, you will be invited to submit an application for NDIS funding. Keep in mind that the waiting period for an application to be processed is long and varies from person to person.
You should also be aware that the NDIS is a complex system and eligibility requirements can be vague. If you are unsure if you qualify for NDIS funding, you can contact your local NDIS provider or visit the official website to learn more about the application process.
