ACT NDIS Awareness Package Element 2: Eligibility

Agenda – Eligibility?  Introduction  Why do I need to know about eligibility?  Who is eligible for the NDIS?  How can people check their eligibility?  What does this mean for our clients and consumers?

Why do I need to know about eligibility?  Understanding the basics will help you talk about eligibility with people.  You can help people find My Access Checker on the website.  You can help people contact the NDIA about eligibility. don’t need to decide who is eligible – this is the job ofthe NDIA.  You don’t need to decide who is eligible – this is the job of the NDIA.

Who is eligible for the NDIS generally?  A person may be eligible for an individual support plan if they:  Are under 65.  Live in Australia as a citizen, permanent resident or hold a Protected Special Category Visa.  Live in a launch area during the trial and meet the rules for that place.  Have a permanent impairment and  Cannot join in activities or do things without special equipment (except for common items like prescription glasses) or home modifications or  Usually need help from others to join in or do things.

Who is eligible for the NDIS generally? (continued)  An impairment that is less on some days than others may still be permanent.  Early intervention may be available where:  The disability is likely to be permanent.  A child under 6 has a developmental delay.  Early support will reduce how much help is needed in the future.  If a person turns 65 after accessing the NDIS they can choose whether to stay with the NDIS or move to the aged care system.

How about in the ACT trial?  You must have been living in ACT on 1 July 2014 or  Moved here after 1 July 2014 if the main reason for the move is to get supports not provided by the NDIS (like education, work, health care or family support) and exceptional circumstances apply.  The NDIA will look at the reasons for the move and the impact on the person or family if they can’t access the NDIS.  ACT access is staged. The transition factsheet shows when people can access the Scheme here – it is aged based.  When one person in a group home goes onto the Scheme, other residents will go on the Scheme at the same time.

Where can people go to check their eligibility  People can check eligibility by using My Access Checker on the NDIA website.My Access Checker on the NDIA website  My Access Checker is an online tool that can determine if someone might be eligible for the NDIA – it takes around 10 to 20 minutes to complete.  My Access Checker is a guide only and is not an Access Request to the NDIA.

Are some people missing out?  Some groups of people do not always get their fair share of health and disability supports.  This includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people living with mental illness, women, people who have been in prison and people who are homeless.  Some of these people may not have thought they could be eligible for the NDIS. They may need extra support and encouragement to check if they are eligible.  Remember: You don’t need to decide who is eligible – this is the job of the NDIA.

What does this mean for our clients and consumers? (Discussion Points)  Do we have clients and consumers who do not know if they are eligible?  Do we know some people who might be missing out?  Have we had a look at My Access Checker to see how it works?  Do we have clients or consumers who might think they will not be eligible for the NDIS?

Where can I get more information on eligibility?  National Disability Insurance Scheme (Becoming a Participant) Rules 2013 National Disability Insurance Scheme (Becoming a Participant) Rules 2013  NDIS Factsheet: Participating in the NDIS in the ACT NDIS Factsheet: Participating in the NDIS in the ACT  NDIA website – Feedback, complaints and reviews NDIA website – Feedback, complaints and reviews

About participants and the NDIA More information is on the NDIS website in the Participants tab. This has important information about the first conversation with the NDIA including factsheets and publications:NDIS websiteParticipants tab  Factsheet – My Access Checker – Access RequirementsMy Access Checker – Access Requirements  Completing the Access Request FormAccess Request Form  Factsheet – Completing the Access Request Form Factsheet – Completing the Access Request Form  Factsheet – Completing the Access Request Form (existing clients of defined state disability services) Factsheet – Completing the Access Request Form  Operational Guidelines on the NDIS website Operational Guidelines on the NDIS website