Rural Lifestyle Options Australia
Community Service Provider
Frequently asked questions.
NDIS FAQ
What is the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme or NDIS provides all Australians under the age of 65 who have a permanent and significant disability with the reasonable and necessary supports they need to enjoy a life of their choosing. The NDIS helps people with disability achieve their goals. This may include greater independence, community involvement, employment and improved wellbeing.
What is the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA)?
The National Disability Insurance Agency or NDIA is the independent Commonwealth government agency responsible for implementing the NDIS. The NDIA helps empower and inform people with disability to be confident consumers. They provide information and referrals, links to services and activities, individualised plans and where necessary, funded supports to people over a lifetime.
I received a text or SMS message from the NDIS notifying me that a representative will call me soon. Is this a scam?
No, this is not a scam. The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) has introduced SMS notifications to support the Access Request process (this is the request process to become a National Disability Insurance Scheme participant). They provide information and referrals, links to services and activities, individualised plans and where necessary, funded supports to people over a lifetime.
Am I eligible for the NDIS?
If you currently receive specialist disability services or Community Care Services funded by the Queensland Government through the Department of Communities, Disabilities and Child Safety, you do not need to do anything at this moment as the Queensland Government will ensure that your information is transferred into the National Disability Insurance Agency. In time you will receive a letter inviting you to meet with the NDIA to undertake their planning process. Individuals who do not currently receive funded disability services support will need to register with the NDIA.
For more information, contact Rural Lifestyle Options Australia on 1300 032 175.
It looks like I’m eligible. What next?
If you are eligible for supports, the NDIA will assist you to get ready for your plan. You will be contacted by the NDIA or one of their Local Area Co-ordinators to start your transition and they will help you with information. Your next step will be to meet with a planner who will help you to develop a plan specifically to suit your needs. Being prepared and thinking about your needs means you will be able to get the most out of the support plan you design. The NDIA has tools on their website to help you with this planning process. You can get ready by thinking about what your life and supports you may need before you meet with your NDIS Planner to discuss your goals and your plan. Talk with all the people, family, friends and carers, who support you about what supports you may need and want in your life and what your goals might be. Rural Lifestyle Options Australia can help you with your NDIS preparation.
For more information, contact Rural Lifestyle Options Australia on 1300 032 175.
Will we be able to choose the type of support we receive?
Yes, this is what the NDIS is all about! The NDIS was established to give you more freedom over how, when and where your supports are provided. Before you get involved with the NDIS, think about the disability related services and supports you have in your life, What’s working or what’s not working for you? Is there anything you would like to change with them or do differently?
Can I receive funding for transport in my NDIS package?
Some people may be eligible for transport funding in their NDIS package, which will be determined based on personal circumstances and daily activity. Not all transport options will be eligible for NDIS funding, so you should discuss your transport requirements with your NDIS planner. There are currently three levels of transport funding determined by the NDIA.
Am I eligible for the NDIS?
If you currently receive specialist disability services or Community Care Services funded by the Queensland Government through the Department of Communities, Disabilities and Child Safety, you do not need to do anything at this moment as the Queensland Government will ensure that your information is transferred into the National Disability Insurance Agency. In time you will receive a letter inviting you to meet with the NDIA to undertake their planning process. Individuals who do not currently receive funded disability services support will need to register with the NDIA.
For more information, contact Rural Lifestyle Options Australia on 1300 032 175.
It looks like I’m eligible. What next?
If you are eligible for supports, the NDIA will assist you to get ready for your plan. You will be contacted by the NDIA or one of their Local Area Co-ordinators to start your transition and they will help you with information. Your next step will be to meet with a planner who will help you to develop a plan specifically to suit your needs. Being prepared and thinking about your needs means you will be able to get the most out of the support plan you design. The NDIA has tools on their website to help you with this planning process. You can get ready by thinking about what your life and supports you may need before you meet with your NDIS Planner to discuss your goals and your plan. Talk with all the people, family, friends and carers, who support you about what supports you may need and want in your life and what your goals might be. Rural Lifestyle Options Australia can help you with your NDIS preparation.
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For more information, contact Rural Lifestyle Options Australia on 1300 032 175.
Will we be able to choose the type of support we receive?
Yes, this is what the NDIS is all about! The NDIS was established to give you more freedom over how, when and where your supports are provided. Before you get involved with the NDIS, think about the disability related services and supports you have in your life, What’s working or what’s not working for you? Is there anything you would like to change with them or do differently?
Can I receive funding for transport in my NDIS package?
Some people may be eligible for transport funding in their NDIS package, which will be determined based on personal circumstances and daily activity. Not all transport options will be eligible for NDIS funding, so you should discuss your transport requirements with your NDIS planner. There are currently three levels of transport funding determined by the NDIA.
What about my goals, will they be included?
While your first plan will focus on current need, goals will be included in your first plan and there is no limit to the number of short or long term goals. You might have already done a lot of thinking and planning about your goals. If you haven’t, there’s no pressure to include all possible future goals at this stage. As you get more comfortable with your NDIS plan you may develop more goals in the future.
When can I make an access request?
People with disability will be able to make an access request from six months before the start of transition in their area. You can find out when transition starts in your area through an online location search. For people who are close to turning 65 it is important to note that you must be less than 65 years on the day of making an access request to be eligible to become a participant.
What if I am not eligible for the NDIS?
If you are currently receiving specialist disability services but are not eligible for the NDIS, you will continue to receive support that will enable you to achieve similiar outcomes through Continuity of Support arrangements.
I am over 65. Am I eligible for the NDIS?
No. If you are over 65 when the NDIS is rolled out in your location, you will not be eligible for the NDIS.
What happens to my NDIS plan when I turn 65?
When someone receiving NDIS support turns 65, they can either continue with NDIS supports or transition to aged care. However, people who transition to aged care will not be able to return to the NDIS.
Will respite care still be available under the NDIS?
The NDIS brings a new approach to respite care. It actively encourages the person with disability to participate in the community socially and economically. The assumption is that carers will get natural breaks when the person is meaningfully engaged with their community. Respite services remain available, should this be a part of your plan. (Short-Term Accommodation)
Can I change what I need and what my family needs under the NDIS?
Yes, if your circumstances change. If something happens that impacts on the supports you need all you have to do is let the NDIA or your support provider know and they will work with you to review your plan. In addition, your NDIS plan will include a 12 month review. During this review the NDIA will work with you to see if the supports you are getting are appropriate and if they are helping you reach your goals. You may also wish to change some of your goals or set new ones which may mean your supports will change. As your NDIS service provider Rural Lifestyle Options Australia will be there with you throughout this process and we are more than happy to help you connect with the NDIA and identify the supports you need to live the life you want.
Can I change the details of my NDIS plan after it has been approved?
Yes. You can change your plan after approval if your goals, needs or circumstances change. You can also request a review if you don’t agree with any of the NDIA’s decisions.
Can I contact Rural Lifestyle Options Australia with any other questions I may have?
Of course! To ask a question, send an email to enquiries@rloa.org.au on call 1300 032 175.