Since its inception, NDIS has evolved deeply. It spread wider and wider with time. Today, it covers a broad range of disabilities, but confusion persists regarding who is eligible and who isn’t. 

Not understanding these crucial aspects can result in not reaping the full benefits of the program. Needless to say, it is not what anyone would want. Every person wishes to take full advantage of NDIS so they can achieve their life goals.

Therefore, the three crucial aspects that every NDIS participant should learn about are disabilities NDIS supports, eligibility criteria, and the excluded supports. 

In this guide, we will look at these essential angles of NDIS, so read on until the very end. 

What Types of Disabilities Does the NDIS Covers?

NDIS covers many kinds of disabilities. Below are the 11 primary disabilities on the official website of NDIS. 

• Autism
• Cerebral palsy
• Acquired brain injury
• Hearing impairment
• Intellectual disability, developmental delay, global development delay, and down syndrome.
• Multiple sclerosis
• Psychosocial disability
• Spinal cord injury
• Stroke
• Vision impairment
• Others

The NDIS considers almost every kind of disability. However, being eligible and showing evidence of disability is a different topic. 

Am I Eligible? 

Here, you have four lists, namely A, B, C, and D, to check and see if you qualify for the program. Each of these lists is created with a specific purpose in mind. 

Meeting any of the criteria outlined in the next sections means that the NDIA will assess your application. Mind you; it is also imperative to meet the age and resident requirements along with the conditions of these lists.

If you do, you may fill in the application form yourself, or you may schedule an appointment with a LAC, local area coordinator, for help. When you apply yourself, you will have control over the service you receive and the goals you achieve. 

However, if you seek out a LAC, you may not have much control over matters, but you have professional support. Because of their experience, LACs can assist you better. 

Now that you know the outline of the process, let’s look at and understand the eligibility criteria for each list. 

List A: Conditions most likely to meet requirements

This is the first list of eligibility requirements. It includes all the following conditions/disabilities, with a high chance of qualifying for the program.  

• Intellectual disability
• Autism
• Cerebral palsy
• Genetic conditions resulting in permanent and severe physical or intellectual impairments.
• Lysosomal storage disorders. For example, Niemann-Pick disease or Gaucher disease.
• Patau syndrome
• Mucopolysaccharidoses like San Filipino syndrome.
• Rett syndrome
• Spinal muscular atrophies
• Permanent blindness
• Spinal cord or brain injuries that result in paraplegia.
• Permanent bilateral hearing loss
• Deaf/blindness
• Amputation

List B: Permanent Conditions that Need More Evaluation

The second list specifies conditions that may need further assessment to determine whether they qualify. Some such conditions are as listed below:

• Speech or hearing impairments
• Some kinds of intellectual disabilities
• Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities
• Neurological impairment such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s dementia
• Physical impairment such as amputation
• A combination of any above conditions

List C: Defined Programs

The third list specifies certain Victorian programs that make you automatically eligible for NDIS. If you are a part of and have been receiving service from any of these programs, you may not need to provide further evidence for your disability. 

The participants of the below Victorian schemes, which pre-date NDIS, can apply for NDIS:

• Individual support package
• Disability support register
• Complex therapy that meets the guidelines of the Disability Act 2006 (Victoria)

Many benefactors of these programs are already applying and shifting to an NDIS plan. You may also access the full list of Defined Programs on the NDIS official website. 

List D: Early Intervention or Permanent Impairment

The last and final list discusses the needs of children with permanent challenges such as global developmental delay or Down syndrome. These children qualify to access the disability support services they need. More importantly, there is no necessity for any assessments. 

Parents (caregivers) may also receive support through initiatives such as Carer Payments. It is quite helpful because caregivers often need support in all possible ways— financial, physical, and psychological. The primary requirements to fulfil:

• The participant must be less than 65 years of age;
• Hold a permanent visa or be a citizen of Australia; and
• Live in an area NDIS covers

If these requirements are met, you can apply to NDIS. 

Receiving Support Services

You can begin getting assistance after your plan has been approved. It’s crucial to pick an NDIS provider whose objectives support those stated in your NDIS strategy. If you are looking at NDIS providers, ensure the following: 

• A registered supplier. 

• The customer service team immediately responds to your inquiries. 

• Reviews from NDIS participants are favourable.

You can keep this checklist to ensure the best services for your needs. 

What are the Supports NDIS Doesn’t Fund?

Although the NDIS pays for supports like aid with everyday tasks, transportation to social events, and assistance accessing education and work, the NDIS does not pay for anything below.  

• Something that has nothing to do with a person’s impairment (such as food or rent) 

• Anything that might endanger the participant or put others at risk 

• Supports that are the responsibility of a different government system or community service cannot be funded by the NDIS.

Conclusion

NDIS supports most conditions and is a blessing to people with disabilities. With such extensive support in every way—physical, psychological, and economical—disability is no more a hurdle in reaching your goals. 

However, it is essential to understand the program first to steer yourself well. For this reason, many professionals offer the best help to NDIS participants. 

One such worthy name to mention is Sky Plan Management, one of the best service providers of NDIS plan management in Central Coast. They are NDIS-registered providers that can guide you well in your journey with NDIS. Take a look at their services and if they fit your requirements, connect with them for further discussions. 

We hope the above information helps you in your research. Good luck!