The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an insurance-based funding scheme managed by the National Disability insurance Agency (NDIA). The NDIS aims to help persons with disabilities access the support they need to live a full life. Even so, for you to benefit fully from these disability support services, you have to do a couple of things.

At Gencare Health Services we speak with people daily about their NDIS experience. Regardless of the stage you are in, we believe something can be done to make it better. In this article, we share a few tips to help optimize your NDIS disability support fund. 

Always put your needs and goals first

Disability service providers develop your NDIS plan based on your personal needs and goals. You have to start by listing all the things you need in every aspect of your life. The NDIS’ Outcome Domains can help focus on what is essential. Consider your daily, weekly and monthly needs in all the following areas:

• Daily living
• Social and community participation
• Home modification
• Work
• Health and wellbeing
• Lifelong learning
• Relationships 

As for your goals, you have to think about what you want to do in the future, things you wish to improve, things you want to try and things you want to stop doing. The NDIS will further provide you with a budget for aids, equipment and consumables. 

Be ready for the plan

Most people know they need to be ‘plan ready,’ but most of them have no idea what needs to be done to be ready. Here are the key things you must do:

• Take photos, gather your documents and reports
• Think about what is working well and what is not working
• Think about the life you want in the future
• Make use of pre-planning advice that is available 
• Break down your life into small bits: daily, weekly, yearly and so on
• Bring someone you trust to the plan meeting 

Mind the language 

Social policy planners, disability experts, lawyers, bureaucrats, community groups and politicians create the NDIS. As a result, the language can be a bit technical. If you don’t understand any of the words used by disability service providers, always ask for an explanation. You can also ask your Local Area Coordinator for clarification, ask why certain questions are being asked and know what different things relate to and mean to your NDIS plan before making a decision. 

Don’t accept a plan if it doesn’t meet your needs

You have the right to appeal your NDIS plan. You can ask the NDIA to review their decision. In this case, you have to submit a request for the review within three months after receiving the NDIA decision. You can contact the NDIA on 1800-800-110 and ask for assistance. You will be required to explain why you believe the decision is incorrect. If the NDIA review is still not satisfactory, you can have it reviewed by the ATT (Administrative Appeals Tribunal). 

Plan your budget 

While the NDIA announced they would have an option that lasts 2 to 3 years, most NDIS plans last 12 months. You need to plan your year accordingly and monitor your activities and bills each month to see how you are tracking. Make adjustments if need be. The NDIS myplace portal has a field that shows you how you are progressing against your set budget.

In addition to helping you make the best use of NDIS disability support services, at Gencare Health Services we offer comprehensive disability services to help you live the life you choose. Our primary services range from daily personal activities and high intensity personal activities to travel assistance and life skill development. Get in touch with us today to find out more about our services.