How do I know if I am eligible for the NDIS?

Are you aged between 7 and 65? If your answer is a ‘Yes’, then you might be eligible. You must be under 65 to access the NDIS. Call us and we may be able to help you if you find other government funded supports if you are not eligible for NDIS.

Do you live in Australia and have Australian residency? If your answer is a ‘Yes’, then you might be eligible. You may still be able to access other supports if your answer is a ‘No’. The NDIS is only available to:

  • People who live in Australia
  • Australian citizens
  • Permanent Visa holders
  • Protected Special Category Visa holders

Do you usually need support from a person because of a permanent and significant disability? If your answer is a ‘Yes’, then you might be eligible.

Do you use special equipment because of a permanent and significant disability? If your answer is a ‘Yes’, then you might be eligible.

Do you need some supports now to reduce your future needs? If your answer is a ‘Yes’, then you might be eligible.

What if I am not eligible for NDIS but I am under 65 years old?

The Queensland Community Support Scheme (QCSS) provides support to people who, with a small amount of assistance, can maintain or regain their independence, continue living safely in their homes, and actively participate in their communities.

You may be eligible for the QCSS if you are under 65 years old (or under 50 years old for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people) with:

Contact us, and we can assist you to connect with appropriate support services.

What if I am not eligible for NDIS because I am over 65 years old?

People who are aged 65 years and over and do not meet the age requirements to access the NDIS may be eligible for support under the Commonwealth Continuity of Support Programme.

The Continuity of Support Programme will support people with disability that are:

  • 65 years and over or 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, at the time the NDIS rolls out in their region; and
  • Assessed as being ineligible for the NDIS at the time the NDIS rolls out in their region; and
  • An existing client of state-administered specialist disability services at the time the Continuity of Support Programme commences in their region.

More information on the Commonwealth Continuity of Support Programme is available on the Department of Health website.

What if I am not eligible for NDIS because I am over 65 years old and do not have any disability?

The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) helps senior Australians access entry-level support services to live independently and safely at home. CHSP works with you to maintain your independence rather than doing things for you. If you’re having trouble with everyday tasks and feel that a little support could improve your health and wellbeing, CHSP could be right for you.

Eligibility for this program is based on your support needs and age. To be eligible for this program, you must be aged:

  • 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people), or
  • 50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and on a low income, homeless, or at risk of being homeless.

You can check your eligibility and apply online for a face-to-face assessment to find out what services you could receive based on your needs. We at Inspiring Care can help you with booking of an assessment. If your needs are more complex, a Home Care Package could be better suited to you. Eligibility is based on your care needs as determined through a face-to-face assessment, but you must also be:

  • an older person who needs coordinated services to help them stay at home, or
  • a younger person with a disability, dementia or other care needs not met through other specialist services.

Your financial situation won’t affect your eligibility. But you will need a financial assessment to work out exactly how much you may be asked to contribute. If you think you only need a low level of support – perhaps only one or two services – you may not need a Home Care Package. You may be more suited for help at home through the CHSP.

What is the process for access to NDIS funding if I think I am eligible?

  • We at Inspiring Care can guide you through the process. When you have provided all the necessary information, the NDIA will make a decision about whether you are eligible for the NDIS. You will receive a letter to tell you about the decision. This is called an ‘Access Decision’.
  • If you are eligible for the NDIS you will be contacted by a Local Area Coordinator or a representative of the NDIS to make an appointment to start the planning process.
  • If you are not eligible for the NDIS a Local Area Coordinator can offer assistance in connecting you to services, supports and activities in your community and other government services.
  • If you are not eligible for the NDIS a LAC can offer assistance in connecting you to services, supports and activities in your community and other government services. There are a range of services within the community which can provide support to people who are found not eligible for the NDIS.

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