“How do I apply for NDIS funding?” is a question that Disability Service Providers hear frequently. Before you can start to consider Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), you must first be a Participant of the NDIS – meaning you must already have funding from NDIS within a plan – to show what products or services you intend to use the funding for.

At Sana Living, we find that most people investigating SDA funding, already have an NDIS plan. However not everyone does. The process for claiming the National Disability Insurance Scheme can be overwhelming, timely, complicated even. Since nobody can contemplate living in a new SDA home without the NDIS funding first in place, we have compiled a list of steps to help get you started. In this article, we’ll give you some direction on how to apply for NDIS funding, so that you can get the support you need.

These steps will hopefully simplify the process of claiming NDIS funding – so that once funding is approved, and if found eligible – your next move can be to a beautiful new SDA home.

What is the National Disability Insurance Scheme?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides financial support for Australians who have a disability.

The scheme is run by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and is designed to help people live independently. For many, it has been a life-changing programme. It continues to grow, helping more and more Australians every year to access various disability supports, including specialist disability housing.

Who Can Access NDIS Funding?

Unfortunately, NDIS is not available for everyone with a disability and can only be accessed by those who meet certain criteria.

Currently, only those who meet the following criteria can implement an NDIS plan:

  • Have a permanent and significant disability
  • Need disability support services for daily living
  • Are aged between 7 and 65
  • Live in Australia and are either:
    • An Australian citizen
    • A permanent visa holder
    • Have a protected special category visa

Please visit the NDIS eligibility checklist for more information on eligibility or speak with an NDIS local area coordinator.

How do I Apply for NDIS Funding?

If you meet the above eligibility criteria, you can apply for NDIS funding. The NDIA will assess your application and decide whether or not you are eligible for support.

The process of claiming the national disability insurance scheme can be complicated if you are unfamiliar with the system. So, we have compiled a list of steps to help make the process of claiming NDIS funding a little easier.

1. Make Sure You are Eligible for NDIS Funding

Before you begin your application process, ensure you meet the NDIS eligibility criteria by completing the NDIS checklist.

2. Gather Evidence of Your Identity

Throughout the NDIS access request process, you will need to provide evidence of your identity and Australian residency.

To provide this evidence, you can simply consent to NDIS accessing your Centrelink records. Otherwise, the best supporting documents to have handy throughout your application process include:

  • Australian (or other nationality) birth certificate
  • Driver’s licence
  • Proof of age card
  • Adoption papers
  • Australian citizenship, or naturalisation certificate
  • Australian passport, or overseas passport with a valid Australian permanent residency visa or protected special category visa
  • Travel document with a valid Australian permanent residency visa or protected special category visa
  • Evidence of a home lease, rental agreement, or contract of house purchase

3. Create a Verbal Application

To start your access request, you will need to contact the NDIS on 1800 800 110 and make a verbal application.

During this phone call, you will need to confirm your identity. If you are applying on someone else’s behalf, you must verify your relation and authority to act on their behalf.

You will also be asked to give consent for the NDIS to access information from third parties regarding evidence of identity and disability.

4. Complete an Access Request Form

You can either download, or request to receive an NDIS access request form in the mail.

You will need to complete, sign, and date Section One of the request form. If you are completing this form on someone else’s behalf, they will need to verify consent through a phone call with the NDIS on 1800 800 110, or by attaching written consent to the form.

5. Gather Evidence of Your Disability

Providing proof of your, or your dependant’s, disability must be achieved with the help of health professionals.

Each type of disability requires a different set of evidence which can only be obtained through certain health professionals. To discover which health professional you should arrange an appointment with, visit the NDIS types of disability evidence page.

You will require the treating professional associated with your or your dependent’s disability to complete the second section of the NDIS access request form.

6. Submit your Form and Evidence

Finally, you can submit your NDIS access request form and evidence for approval by either emailing it to NAT@ndis.gov.au, posting it to GPO Box 700, Canberra ACT 2601, or hand-delivering it to your local NDIA office or support coordinator.

For further information on how to apply for NDIS funding, please complete our online eligibility form, or contact our friendly team today.

At Sana Living, we offer a range of specialist disability accommodation options throughout Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia.

Once you become a registered Participant of the NDIS, provided you meet the criteria for SDA, you can get in touch with us to discuss housing. Accessing funding for Specialist Disability Accommodation can be equally complicated – but we will be here to assist you throughout the entire process.