No matter your child’s ability, the ups and downs of daily life and unexpected challenges are all part of being a parent. If you have a child with disability, your child may require extra support to achieve their goals and live as independently as possible. The NDIS can provide the opportunity for children with disability to access the supports they need. Find out how the NDIS can help and how to apply below.
How can NDIS funding help to support your child?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) helps to support Australians with disability between the ages of 7 and 65 years. If your child has a temporary or permanent disability that can affect their day-to-day life, they may be eligible for NDIS funding.
If your child is approved for NDIS funding, they may receive funding in the NDIS Core Supports, Capital Supports and/or Capacity Building Support categories. Each of these categories can help to provide supports for your child to fulfil their goals and live more independently.
Core Supports help with everyday activities as well as helping to access and participate within the community. They are the main support category and funding is flexible. This means funding can be used across any of the support items and services in the Core budget. Core supports have four categories: Assistance with Daily Life, Consumables, Assistance with Social and Community Participation, and Transport.
Capital Supports include funding for Assistive Technology and Home Modifications, including the assessment, delivery, set-up, adjustments, and maintenance costs. This category is not flexible, and funding provided must be used for its intended purpose.
Capacity Building Supports are designed to help build skills and independence in daily life. There are nine Capacity Building Support Categories: Support Coordination, Improved Living Arrangements, Increased Social and Community Participation, Finding and Keeping a Job, Improved Relationships, Improved Health and Wellbeing, Improved Learning, Improved Choices and Improved Daily Living. This category is not flexible, and funding provided must be used for its intended purpose.
The categories your child may be funded for will be determined by their needs. Which means, your child may receive funding in all three categories (if needed), or they may receive funding for some of the categories.
NDIS vs ECEI
ECEI is for children aged from 0-6 years, whereas the NDIS is for people aged from 7-65 years. The ECEI approach is designed to assist children who have developmental delays or disabilities at the early in life. This support may only be needed temporarily, or it may be needed in an ongoing capacity. Children don’t need a diagnosis certificate from a doctor or specialist to access ECEI supports and services, however if a child is 7 years and older, they will need an official diagnosis to access NDIS support.
How to apply for the NDIS
To determine if your child is eligible for the NDIS, you can check the eligibility access requirements on the NDIS website. Once you have confirmed eligibility, you’ll need to apply for the NDIS. This can be done by, either:
Calling 1800 800 110 and asking to make an access request
Completing and submitting by email an Access Request Form to NAT@ndis.gov.au
Contacting your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or NDIA office to make an Access Request
If your child was previously supported under Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI), you can talk with your Early Childhood Planner about transitioning your child onto the NDIS. They can help you to develop a plan specific to your child’s needs and assist you in submitting your NDIS application to the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA).
What to bring to your child’s Planning Meeting
When preparing for your child’s Planning Meeting, you should:
Bring any supporting documents
A friend or someone trusted for moral support (if needed)
Take notes during the meeting
Discuss your child’s goals and needs
Discuss how you would like your child’s plan to be managed (i.e., by a Plan Manager like First2Care)
Discuss Support Coordination
Ask questions if you have any or need further clarification
Read more about the benefits of working with an independent, professional Plan Manager. Alternatively, contact our friendly team on 1300 322 273 or support@first2care.com.au.