The National DisabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has a role in supporting inclusive communities where everyone can create and pursue their personal aspirations and goals. The Scheme is available to make it easier for all Australians to receive information and connections to services in their communities that will assist them in their daily life and help them participate more fully in the community. This section will focus on how all Australians who are living with mental health conditions (described as psychosocial disabilityPsychosocial disability is not about a diagnosis, it refers to the social and economic consequences related to living with a mental health condition. It is a recognised term used to describe the challenges, or limits, a person experiences in life that are related to their mental health condition. Not everyone living with a mental health condition has a psychosocial disability. More under the Scheme) can receive assistance from the NDIS and from other mainstreamIn the context of the mental health and the NDIS, mainstream services and programs are non-NDIS, government funded and/or delivered services that can be used by everyone. They include public health and mental health services, public transport, education, housing, justice, child protection and employment services. More services.
This section will provide information about:
If you think you are eligible for the NDIS, you can download an Access Request Form, and a Supporting Evidence Form.
The NDIS Access Request Form gathers information about you, your supports and about your disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More.
You can work with your general practitioner, allied health and specialist medical professionals to provide the information required. You can also complete the form over the phone with an NDIA representative or you can ask to fill out a hard copy of the form and return it to an NDIA office. You will be asked to provide the following information:
To find out more about applying for access to the NDIS, click here.
You can call the NDIA on 1800 800 110* between 8:00am to 8:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Once your access request is made, the NDIS will send you a letter requesting any further evidence you need to provide. You can send your evidence to the NDIA via:
Mail: GPO Box 700, Canberra, ACT, 2601
Email: NAT@ndis.gov.au
In person: drop in to your local NDIA office
*Mobile phone calls to freecall numbers (numbers starting with 1800) are charged to the caller at the usual mobile rate.
There are several services that can support potential participants with the initial stages of engaging with the NDIS.
Local Area Coordination partners are organisations working with the NDIA to help individuals, their families and carers to navigate and access the NDIS. Local Area Coordinators (LACs) employed by these organisations assist participants to plan and coordinate services in a way that maximises their choice and controlChoice and control refers to a person deciding what will enable them to live a fulfilling life. In the context of the NDIS, this may include deciding what supports and services they may need and want to assist them. More over the services they use. This includes supporting the person to navigate mainstreamIn the context of the mental health and the NDIS, mainstream services and programs are non-NDIS, government funded and/or delivered services that can be used by everyone. They include public health and mental health services, public transport, education, housing, justice, child protection and employment services. More services, to increase their access to services and more actively participate in their community.
For those who meet Access Requirements, the LACs can assist with supporting you to:
When deciding whether a prospective participantIn the context of the NDIS, a participant refers to a person with disability who has received an NDIS package as they have met the eligibility requirements. More meets the Access criteria, the NDIA will first consider whether a person meets the age and residence requirements. If both the age and residence requirements are met, the NDIA will then consider whether the prospective participantIn the context of the NDIS, a participant refers to a person with disability who has received an NDIS package as they have met the eligibility requirements. More meets either the disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More or early intervention requirements.
For most people aged seven (7) and above, a LAC working for one of NDIS’s Partners in the Community will be your main contact point for the NDIS. To find out where your local LAC is located, click here.
In NSW, organisations delivering LAC services are:
Local Area Coordination partner offices are located in NSW, click here for locations.
For further information on how your Local Area CoordinatorLocal Area Coordinators are organisations which are partners with the NDIA in local communities who work with people, their families and carers to access and manage the NDIS. LACs also help connect people to supports and services outside of the NDIS. More can assist you, visit the NDIS website.
The NDIS has been designed to meet the day-to-day needs, goals and aspirations of participants. This is why you do not need to have a formal mental health or psychosocial disabilityPsychosocial disability is not about a diagnosis, it refers to the social and economic consequences related to living with a mental health condition. It is a recognised term used to describe the challenges, or limits, a person experiences in life that are related to their mental health condition. Not everyone living with a mental health condition has a psychosocial disability. More diagnosis to be eligible for NDIS funded services.
The National DisabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More Insurance Scheme Act 2013 determines who can and cannot access the individualised plans created under the NDIS. To receive an NDIS package, you must:
You will meet the disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More requirements and be eligible to access NDIS services if:
You are likely to be eligible for the NDIS if you usually need support from a person or assistive equipment to:
There is no ‘means test’ for the NDIS, which means that a person can become a NDIS participantIn the context of the NDIS, a participant refers to a person with disability who has received an NDIS package as they have met the eligibility requirements. More no matter what their personal income and assets are.
The National DisabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More Insurance Agency has an NDIS Access Checklist that is helpful in understanding what is needed to meet the access requirement.
The NDIA will contact you to inform you of their decision within twenty-one (21) days of receiving your application and supporting evidence. The NDIA will send a letter informing you of their decision that you have or have not been approved to receive an NDIS package. This is called an ‘access decision’. If the NDIA has found you to be ineligible, they will provide information explaining their decision.
If you believe the NDIA has made an incorrect decision, click here for more information about how to request a review of an NDIA decision.
A potential participantIn the context of the NDIS, a participant refers to a person with disability who has received an NDIS package as they have met the eligibility requirements. More may have received, or is currently receiving, a compensation payment from an insurance company, statutory scheme, or an individual/organisation due to an accident or injury which resulted in significant functional impairmentThe loss or limitation of physical, mental or sensory function on a long-term or permanent basis. For people with mental health conditions this would also include a loss of function on an episodic basis, which in many cases leads to long term or permanent impairment and subsequent disablement. More.
If your acquired impairmentThe loss or limitation of physical, mental or sensory function on a long-term or permanent basis. For people with mental health conditions this would also include a loss of function on an episodic basis, which in many cases leads to long term or permanent impairment and subsequent disablement. More is likely to be lifelong and significantly impact your daily functioning, you can still be eligible for an NDIS package. However, if your compensation payment is used to cover the cost of support needs, the value of the reasonable and necessary supportsReasonable means something that is fair, and necessary means that it is strongly needed. In the context of the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the National Disability Insurance Authority will only give participants funding for things that are fair and really needed to live a meaningful life and participate equally in the community. More in your NDIS package may be reduced by the Compensation Reduction Amount as calculated by the NDIA. If you disagree with the Compensation Reduction Amount, you are entitled to request a review of the decision.
Follow this link for more information in this manual about review of NDIA rulings.
If you have received a lump sum compensation payment from a commercial insurer to pay damages for pain and suffering, loss of income, medical costs, or a Victim of Crime payment, your NDIS plan will not be affected.
When applying for the NDIS, you will need to fill out a Compensation Information Form, which provides the NDIA with information regarding the compensation payment, supporting documents for the compensation payment, and information concerning spending compensation payments on services and supports which the NDIS could potentially fund in a support package.
There is no ‘means test’ for the NDIS, which means that a person can become a NDIS participantIn the context of the NDIS, a participant refers to a person with disability who has received an NDIS package as they have met the eligibility requirements. More no matter what their personal income and assets are.
For more information about compensation payments and the NDIS, follow this link.
You do not have to be an NDIS participantIn the context of the NDIS, a participant refers to a person with disability who has received an NDIS package as they have met the eligibility requirements. More to receive support for your disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More. If you are not eligible to participate in the NDIS, NDIS Local Area Coordinators (LACs) are available to help provide short-term assistance to those who do not have an NDIS plan.
LACs offer all people information about what supports are available to you and offer suggestions of relevant supports and services which will best meet your needs, goals and aspirations.
Chapter 8 of this Manual also provides information about a range of different supports available to a diversity of people with psychosocial disabilityPsychosocial disability is not about a diagnosis, it refers to the social and economic consequences related to living with a mental health condition. It is a recognised term used to describe the challenges, or limits, a person experiences in life that are related to their mental health condition. Not everyone living with a mental health condition has a psychosocial disability. More, as well as those living with a number of mental health conditions and other coexisting conditions and disabilities. It also provides information about access to services for older people with disabilities and mental health conditions here.
If the impact of your disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More increases over time and is significantly impacting your day-to-day living, or you develop a new impairmentThe loss or limitation of physical, mental or sensory function on a long-term or permanent basis. For people with mental health conditions this would also include a loss of function on an episodic basis, which in many cases leads to long term or permanent impairment and subsequent disablement. More, you can make a new access request with the NDIA as they make their decisions based on the current impact of your disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More.
Alternatively, if you disagree with the decision that you are ineligible to access the NDIS, you can seek a formal review, outlined here.
While no diagnosis of a mental health conditionThe term mental health condition is a broad term that refers to symptoms that may be caused by life events, genetic factors or birth defects. This condition can be temporary, episodic or lifelong. A mental health condition can include mood, anxiety, personality, psychotic and compulsive disorders. It includes, but is not limited to, those conditions and symptoms recognised as constituting mental illness under the Mental Health Act 2007 (NSW). More is required to be eligible for NDIS funding, you will need to provide evidence of how your psychosocial disabilityPsychosocial disability is not about a diagnosis, it refers to the social and economic consequences related to living with a mental health condition. It is a recognised term used to describe the challenges, or limits, a person experiences in life that are related to their mental health condition. Not everyone living with a mental health condition has a psychosocial disability. More affects your day-to-day living. This means that you are a person living with a mental health conditionThe term mental health condition is a broad term that refers to symptoms that may be caused by life events, genetic factors or birth defects. This condition can be temporary, episodic or lifelong. A mental health condition can include mood, anxiety, personality, psychotic and compulsive disorders. It includes, but is not limited to, those conditions and symptoms recognised as constituting mental illness under the Mental Health Act 2007 (NSW). More that affects or reduces your ability to function, think clearly, experience full physical health and need support with social and emotional aspects of life (permanently or on an episodic basis).
The information supporting your application to the NDIS should include details describing your disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More, the treatments you receive, the daily impacts of your disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More on your life, and how long it is expected to last. Supporting evidence must be less than twelve (12) months old and can include:
It is helpful if the treating health professional who provides the evidence of your disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More is the most appropriate person to provide evidence of your primary disabilityDisability is defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) as total or partial loss of the person’s bodily or mental functions; total or partial loss of a part of the body; the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness, capable of causing disease or illness; the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person’s body; a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person’s thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgment or that results in disturbed behaviour. More, and has treated you for a significant period of time (e.g. at least six months). This health professional will not be able to tell you if you meet the NDIS requirements, only the NDIA can make this decision.
If you do not have any recent evidence, or your evidence doesn’t provide enough detail, you may be asked to complete a Supporting Evidence Form. It has a section to be completed by a health professional about your impairments and the supports you need. An example of a completed Supporting Evidence Form has been provided on the reimagine.today website.
If you would like help in collecting your supporting evidence, Local Area Coordinators are available to assist with this.
General Practitioners are often the first point of contact for people living with disabilities and their families. They have an important role in supporting people access the NDIS.
Responsibilities of general practitioners include:
General practitioners will not automatically receive your NDIS plan. It is useful to provide it to your regular general practitioner so that they are aware of what supports you’re receiving and so they can also gain a better understanding of what supports NDIS participants can receive.
If you are a general practitioner or allied health profession, the following are useful preliminary resources:
Updated November 20, 2020
