The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian program that supports people with permanent and significant disabilities. It provides funding directly to individuals to help them achieve their goals and live more independently.

Here are some key things to know about the NDIS:

• Provides funding for support: This can include assistance with daily living tasks, therapy, assistive technology, and participation in community activities.
• Focuses on individual needs: The NDIS works with each person to develop a personalised plan that meets their needs and goals.
• Empowers choice and control: People with disabilities have choice and control over how they use their NDIS funding.

You must be between 9 and 65 to be eligible for the NDIS. Early intervention supports are available for children under 6 with developmental delays, but they follow a different set of criteria. A permanent impairment must cause your disability. This means it’s unlikely to improve significantly over time. The impairment can be:

• Intellectual: Difficulty with learning, understanding, or problem-solving.
• Cognitive: Difficulty with memory, attention, or reasoning.
• Neurological: Affects the nervous system, impacting movement, sensation, or communication.
• Sensory (vision & hearing): Significant limitations in sight, hearing, or other senses.
• Physical: Difficulty with mobility, coordination, or other physical tasks.
• Psychosocial: Difficulty functioning due to a mental health condition.

High Intensity Personal Care (HIPC) is a term used by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) to describe specific, complex health-related supports that some individuals with disabilities require to manage their daily lives. These supports are typically more involved and require specialised training and expertise compared to general personal care.

You should always engage with a Registered Support Coordinator and Plan Manager to ensure your budget can last for the duration of the plan. If your plan does not have sufficient funds for ongoing support, you should follow the usual process for a plan reassessment. Under this policy, the NDIA will not accept changes to plans solely to purchase low-cost AT. Plan reassessment takes 3–6 months to complete; therefore, if you are forecasting a budget overspend, you should start the plan reassessment process as soon as possible.

In order to apply for NDIS funding, you need to make sure that:

• Your disability is permanent.
• You have utilised other community services.

Benity Care can help you with the step-by-step process of how to apply

The NDIS doesn’t focus on specific disabilities but rather on the impact a permanent impairment has on a person’s life. This impairment can be:

• Intellectual: Difficulty with learning, understanding, or problem-solving.
• Cognitive: Difficulty with memory, attention, or reasoning.
• Neurological: Affects the nervous system, impacting movement, sensation, or communication.
• Sensory (vision & hearing): Significant limitations in sight, hearing, or other senses.
• Physical: Difficulty with mobility, coordination, or other physical tasks.
• Psychosocial: Difficulty functioning due to a mental health condition.

The primary difference between a registered and unregistered NDIS service provider lies in their relationship with the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).

1. Registered NDIS Service Provider
   a. Approved by the NDIA: These providers have undergone a rigorous assessment to meet specific quality and safety standards.
   b. Subject to Oversight: The NDIA regularly monitors them to ensure compliance with NDIS rules and regulations.
   c. Registered providers can provide services such as Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), Plan Management, and behaviour support.
   d. Price Caps: They must adhere to NDIS price caps for their services.
2. Unregistered NDIS Service Provider
   a. Not approved by the NDIA: They don’t still need to go through the registration process.
   b. Less oversight: While they must still comply with the NDIS Code of Conduct, they are subject to a different level of scrutiny than registered providers.
   c. Limited service options: They cannot provide certain services like SDA, Plan Management, and behaviour support.
   d. Pricing flexibility: They can set their prices for services
3. What if I am not satisfied with the service?
   Initial Steps
   1. Communicate with Your Provider:
   
   • Clearly express your dissatisfaction to the service provider.
   • Explain the specific issues you’re facing.
   • Allow them to resolve the problem.

   2. Review Your NDIS Plan

   • Ensure the services you’re receiving align with your plan goals.
   • If there’s a mismatch, contact your NDIS planner to discuss adjustments.

   Escalating the Issue
   If the problem persists, consider these options:

   • Contact Your Support Coordinator or Plan Manager: They can advocate on your behalf and assist in resolving the issue.
   • Engage with the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission: They oversee NDIS providers and can investigate complaints
   • Seek Assistance from a Disability Advocate: These professionals can provide guidance and support throughout the process
   • Consider Changing Providers: If the issues are significant and unresolved, you may choose to find a different provider.

   Important Considerations

   • Document Everything: Keep records of your interactions, including dates, times, and details of conversations.
   • Understand Your Rights: Familiarise yourself with the NDIS Code of Conduct and your rights as a participant.
   • Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to contact family, friends, or support groups for emotional support.

   Additional Resources
   NDIS website Information for participants: Australian Government Department of SocialServices NDIS website
   For help with your NDIS start-up, contact us at https://benitycare.com.au/