Step-by-step information and resources on all things NDIS – from assessing eligibility, applying for access, help to create an NDIS Plan, managing funding, Plan implementation, what to do if you don’t agree with an NDIS decision to preparing for your child’s Plan reassessment meeting.
Resources
Getting Started with the NDIS, Book 1
Helpful information on early childhood intervention, becoming a ‘participant’ of the NDIS, how to prepare for the all-important NDIS planning conversation to seeking redress if you are unhappy with the funding that your child receives.
Navigating your Child’s NDIS Plan, Book 2
Help for families who have just received their child’s first NDIS Plan, from understanding what’s included, what to do if the Plan looks wrong, getting started, finding providers, setting up service agreements and more.
NDIS Planning Workbook
Help to prepare for your child’s NDIS Planning Conversation and ensure that the NDIS Plan developed for your child is able to accommodate their support and funding requirements.
Template for writing a carer statement
Help to explain what you do as a carer and the impact that caring for your child has on you and other family members, and your capacity to sustain this level of care into the future.
Checklist for your child's NDIS Planning Conversation
Everything you’ll need to have with you at your child’s NDIS Planning Conversation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my child is eligible for NDIS funding?
Eligibility for the NDIS depends on strict criteria. Your child must meet the:
- Age requirement: Be under the age of 65; and
- Residency requirement: Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or special category visa holder, residing in Australia; and
- Disability requirement; OR
- Early Intervention Requirement.
You can assess your child’s eligibility for access to NDIS funding online by reviewing a checklist entitled Am I eligible’ via the NDIS website.
Can anyone get the NDIS or is it means tested?
The NDIS is not income tested and participants do not have to pay for the support they need.
I've been told to prepare for my son's NDIS Planning Conversation. What do I need to do?
That’s good advice. It’s important to prepare carefully to ensure that your NDIS Plan is approved and the funding package you receive is able to accommodate all of your son’s support needs.
To help you prepare you can work with a family member, friend or carer, an Early Childhood Partner or NDIS Local Area Coordinator, General Practitioner (GP) or other health professional but be sure to download Kiind’s NDIS Planning Workbook, available on this page, to make sure you’ve got everything that you will need.
What are NDIS goals?
NDIS funding is specifically designed to provide the supports and services that your child needs to manage their disability, increase their independence, participate in the community and pursue their goals and ambitions.
Identifying and articulating your child’s goals is an important part of the Planning Conversation. Think carefully about them as they represent the focal point for the funding that your child will eventually receive.
Learn how to develop appropriate goals and the support your child might need to achieve them via our Getting Started with the NDIS, Book 1, available on this page, and where you’ll also find plenty of examples.
Who or what should I consider bringing to the Planning meeting?
- You can attend the Planning Conversation by yourself or bring along your child, a friend, family member, advocate, therapist or anyone that might be helpful during the meeting.
- Your completed NDIS Planning Workbook.
- Your Carer Statement , (if applicable).
- Proof of your identity such as a passport and driver’s licence, (100 points of ID).
- Your bank account details if you are considering self-managing all or part of your child’s NDIS funding.
- Your child’s medical assessments and reports, including Individual Education Plan (IEP) if they have one.
- Information from a current service provider (if applicable).
- A list of any assistive technology that your child uses such as a wheelchair, modified cutlery or communication device. Bring along quotations too if your child needs new or upgraded aids and equipment.
- Your myGov login and password details. This may be helpful if the NDIA Planner decides to show you how to use the myplace portal. To log in to the myplace portal you will need your myGov login.
- A list of questions that you’d like to discuss during the Planning Conversation.
What do I need to do before my child’s NDIS Plan Reassessment meeting?
Your Early Childhood Partner (ECP), Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIA Planner will organise a date for the Plan Reassessment meeting.
It’s a good idea to prepare carefully as the information you provide will form the basis of the supports and funding your child receives in their new Plan.
Ahead of the meeting, check in with your child’s service providers for reports on your child’s progress towards their goals, recommendations on their future supports and justification of the current and future use of funding.
You may also need quotations for aids and equipment, consumable products, home modifications and transport requirements, and your child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) if applicable.
For more guidance on how to prepare for your child’s NDIS Plan Reassessment, read Kiind’s Navigating Your Child’s NDIS Plan, Book 2 or book a Pathway Planning Session with a Kiind Peer Navigator.