Step-by-step NDIS

Connect with Your Local Support Network
Before you formally apply, reach out to your Local Area Coordinator (LAC) or an NDIS partner. They’re there to help you navigate available community services and understand what NDIS supports, such as equipment, home modifications, and allied health therapies, that might suit your needs. This connection is valuable regardless of whether you decide to apply right away or just want to learn more about your options.

Get the NDIS Access Request Form
To officially begin the process, you need the NDIS Access Request Form. You can obtain this by:
– Downloading it online: Visit the official NDIS website.
– Calling: Dial 1800 800 110 and ask for the form.
Be sure to request an NDIS reference number, which will be important throughout the process.

Complete the Form
The form usually has several parts:
a) Your Personal Details: Fill out the sections that ask about you and your day-to-day challenges (frame as if it were your worst day to plan for worst case scenario).
b) Medical/Health Information: Sections detailing the impact of Parkinson’s symptoms on your daily life need to be completed by your treating health professional—this might be your neurologist, geriatrician, or another specialist who has seen you for at least 6 months. Plan a longer appointment so they can provide thorough answers about your diagnosis and how Parkinson’s affects you.

Gather Supporting Documentation
A robust application requires strong “evidence of disability.” This might include:

– Recent letters or reports from your health professionals that explain your diagnosis, the progressive and incurable nature of Parkinson’s, and how symptoms impacts your daily activities.
– Assessments (such as balance, mobility, or cognitive assessments) that help prove the challenges you face. You can complete the check-ins on the My NDIS Info pillar in the YOPX app and email these to yourself to have a stronger application.
– A statement from your primary support person or caregiver can also add weight to your application.

It is ok if you do not have assessments, as the first NDIS plan can pay for you to visit allied health professionals to get these baseline assessments done.

Submit Your Application
Once you have completed the form and collected all supporting documents, submit them by your preferred method:
– Email: Send them electronically as directed in the form instructions.
– Mail: Print and post the documents to the address provided (for example, PO Box 700, Canberra, ACT 2601).
– In Person: Visit an NDIS office or your local coordinator if you need assistance with the submission.

Assessment and NDIS Planning

After submission, the NDIA will review your application and may request further assessments or interviews to better understand your needs. If you meet the eligibility criteria, you’ll be invited to a planning meeting where your supports will be discussed and an individualised NDIS plan will be developed. Remember to always think about what you would require help with on your worst day. Also note that goals should be set in rank order of importance of maintaining your independence and what will make the greatest impact to your life by funding the support. See more in the YOPX app under Goal-setting.

A Few Final Tips

1. Take Your Time: Completing forms and gathering supporting details can be overwhelming. Working with your LAC or a supportive friend/caregiver can make the process smoother.
2. Get Professional Help: Your state/territory Parkinson’s organisation and health professionals (GP, neurologist, physiotherapist, etc.) know how to document the impact of Parkinson’s. Their detailed input can greatly strengthen your application.
3. Support letter from friends or family: Add a family member or friend’s point of view by submitting this
4. Keep Copies: Always keep copies of every document and form you send. This helps track your progress if you need to follow up later.
5. Be Prepared for Next Steps: After your application is accepted, you’ll have further planning meetings where you can discuss which supports will have the most impact on your daily life (e.g. gardening and household maintenance help, meal prep, exercise physiology, speech pathology, and other allied health services).

If you have any questions about the process or need more details on any step, feel free to dive deeper into the NDIS website for any part of the journey. There’s plenty more to explore about planning for long-term supports and understanding your eligibility once you’re in the process!