What is the NDIS? A quick overview

What is the NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme is called the NDIS for short. It’s the way for people with disability under the age of 65 to get the care and supports they need.

The NDIS is for people with a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability to take part in everyday activities.

If you’re eligible, you’ll work out what reasonable and necessary supports you need to live your life and achieve your goals. You’ll then receive funding to pay for these supports.

Find more information on the NDIS website.

Why was the NDIS introduced?

Before the NDIS came along, disability services in Australia were a bit of a lottery.

The funding you received depended on how, when and where you acquired your disability, as well as where you lived. Some people got enough funding, some people got none. It wasn’t exactly fair.

So, after a national inquiry, the Federal Government agreed that people with disability deserved a better system. One with more choice and more control.

The NDIS was introduced in July 2013. The rollout across the country was completed in mid-2020.

What supports can you receive through the NDIS?

The NDIS provides funding for lots of different things. It could be:

• Support at home
• Accommodation and supported independent living
• Therapy and allied health services
• Getting out and about in your community
• Help finding and keeping a job
• Early intervention for children
• Assistive technology and equipment

The best part? You get to choose when and where you receive these supports, and which disability service providers you work with.

Check out Aruma’s NDIS disability services.

Who is eligible for the NDIS?

Eligibility for the NDIS depends on a few different things:

Age: You need to be under 65 years when you apply.

Residency: You need to be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen who holds a Protected Special Category Visa. You also need to live in Australia.

Disability: You must have a permanent disability that significantly affects how you communicate, move around, care for yourself, socialise, learn or manage your daily life.

Early intervention: You might also be eligible if early intervention would help improve your functioning, or slow down a decline in functioning, for you or your child.

How Aruma can help

At Aruma, we’re here to support you through every step of your NDIS journey. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a new provider, our team can help you understand your plan and connect you with the right supports.

We put you at the centre of everything we do. That’s The Aruma Way.

Get in touch with us today to find out how we can support you.