NDIS Explained: What You Need to Know

Australia, the largest country in the Oceania region, has a current population of over 25 million people. Of that figure, around 4.4 million people are living with a disability. That’s about 18% of the total Australian population.

Fortunately for the millions of Australians who have a disability, they may be eligible to receive the support they need to help them achieve their goals and lead productive and fulfilling lives.



What Is NDIS and How Does It Work?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an initiative rolled out by the Australian Government and is operated by the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA). The scheme is designed to provide individualised support for eligible people in Australia with permanent and significant disability, whether acquired or born with, as well as their families and carers.

The individualised support comes in the form of funding for reasonable and necessary supports and services that are designed to help people with disability to reach their goals and live ordinary lives. For the NDIS, ‘reasonable’ means that the support is properly funded or provided by the NDIS. Meanwhile, ‘necessary’ means that a particular product or service is needed by an individual due to their disability. The type of disability support that a person will receive will depend on their individual needs and preferences. The NDIS will not replace the Disability Support Pension.

Are You Eligible for the Support You Need?

Now that you know what is the NDIS, it's time to find out how to know if you're eligible for it.



To be eligible for the NDIS scheme, a person must:

• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or have a protected special category visa
• Be aged less than 65 years old when they first enter the scheme
• Have a permanent and significant disability that affects their ability to take part in everyday activities, or have early intervention requirements
• A permanent disability is a type of disability that a person is not likely to recover from.
• A significant disability means that a disability largely impairs a person’s ability to carry out everyday activities.

If a person meets the above criteria, they will undergo an assessment process to determine their level of need and what type of support they will receive.

What benefits do you get from NDIS?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides comprehensive benefits for Australians with disabilities, offering equitable access to support nationwide. It adopts a holistic approach, addressing physical, mental, and emotional needs, while its flexibility allows participants to tailor supports to their unique preferences. The NDIS promotes inclusivity and equality, ensuring access for individuals born with or who have acquired a disability. It funds a wide range of services, including personal care, therapy, transport, and equipment, empowering participants to enhance their independence and engage actively in social and economic activities.



How NDIS Funding Works

The NDIS funding system is designed to empower participants by offering flexibility and choice in accessing supports and services. Here's a breakdown of how it works:

Funding Categories

1. Core Supports: Covers essential daily activities and services that help participants maintain their lifestyle, such as personal care, household tasks, and community participation.
2. Capacity Building Supports: Focuses on skill development and long-term independence. This includes training, therapy, and education programs to achieve personal goals.
3. Capital Supports: Provides funding for major investments like assistive technology, home modifications, and specialized equipment.

Ways to Manage NDIS Funds

Participants have flexibility in deciding how their funds are managed. Each option comes with its own set of responsibilities and benefits:

1. Self-Managed

Ideal for participants who want full control over their funding. With self-management, you can choose any provider (registered or not), negotiate prices, and pay invoices directly. However, this requires strong organizational skills and accountability.

2. Plan-Managed

A middle-ground option where a registered plan manager oversees the financial aspects, such as paying providers and managing invoices. You retain control over choosing services, without the administrative burden.

3. NDIA-Managed

The NDIA manages your funds, limiting you to NDIA-registered providers. While this option offers less flexibility, it reduces the administrative workload for participants.



How much funding does NDIS give you?

The amount of NDIS funding you receive will depend on your individual needs and circumstances. The NDIA will assess your needs and develop a personalised NDIS plan for you. This plan will include an estimate of the cost of the disability services and supports you may require.



Enhancing Independence with the INS LifeGuardian

INS LifeGuard provides a comprehensive suite of monitored personal alarms and emergency response services, designed to empower individuals while ensuring their safety and security. Whether you’re living independently, managing a health condition, or caring for a loved one, INS LifeGuard offers solutions tailored to your needs.

For those seeking an innovative, reliable, and user-friendly solution to enhance their independence, the INS LifeGuardian® App stands out as an ideal choice. This app offers unparalleled features to enhance quality of life for individuals and peace of mind for families.

• 24/7 Emergency Response by healthcare professionals
• Fall and Crash Detection: Immediate alerts to the response center in case of emergencies.
• GPS Tracking: Pinpoint location tracking for prompt assistance, even during unresponsive situations.
• Geofence Alerts: Customised boundaries for individuals with cognitive challenges, ensuring their safety if they wander.
• Health Monitoring: Offering continuous health tracking via Apple Watch. It detects abnormal readings, suggests actions, and alerts nurses if needed. Monthly health trend reports and telehealth services ensure your GP or specialist stays informed.

You can use your NDIS funding to cover the costs of INS LifeGuard’s in-home and mobile alarm systems and solutions. Contact us today to learn how INS LifeGuard can help make independent living safer and more accessible for you or your loved ones.