Applying for an NDIS plan with Parkinson’s involves several steps, and knowing what to expect can help make the process smoother.

If you have Parkinson’s and are under 64, applying for the NDIS is a crucial step in accessing services tailored to your needs. As an Australian resident with a Parkinson’s diagnosis at a younger age, you’re most likely eligible for early intervention supports. The NDIS can help fund therapies, assistive technology, home modifications, and other services that improve your independence and quality of life for you and those around you. It’s a personalised approach empowering you to manage your condition effectively while maintaining your daily activities and overall wellbeing.

What to Expect

  1. Eligibility Check: You must be under 65 years old, an Australian resident, and have a neurological condition that significantly impacts your daily life. Parkinson’s is under Section 25 and designated for the early intervention stream.
  2. Evidence Gathering: You’ll need medical documentation proving how Parkinson’s symptoms and fluctuations affect your ability to function.
  3. Application Process: You’ll submit an NDIS Access Request Form and provide supporting documents.
  4. Goal setting: When planning your NDIS meeting, setting clear, outcome-focused goals can make all the difference
  5. Planning Meeting: You’ll meet with an NDIS planner to discuss your needs and create a personalised plan based on your personal goals and the reasonable and necessary supports that can help you achieve them.
  6. Funding & Support: Once your plan is approved, you can access funding for core supports (e.g. gardening, home maintenance), assistive technology, capacity building (e.g. allied health therapy), home modifications, and maintaining community participation. You can also have a plan manager or be self-managed for invoicing.
  7. Reviews and changes of circumstances: Your plan can be reviewed annually to ensure it continues to meet your needs. If your condition changes, you can request adjustments to your plan.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Check Your Eligibility
    • You must be under 65, an Australian resident and meet the NDIS disability criteria.
    • Parkinson’s disease is recognised under List B of NDIS eligibility of conditions primarily resulting in neurological impairment.
    • Contact NDIS, your LAC/NDIS Partner or your local Parkinson’s organisation for guidance.
  2. Gather Supporting Documents
    • Request a letter from your GP or neurologist detailing your diagnosis and how Parkinson’s symptoms and fluctuations impact your daily life.
    • Include a care partner statement on how your disability impacts them and your household.
    • Include the My NDIS Info export from the YOPX app once all check-ins and surveys are completed. Remember, this is a snapshot of your symptoms at the time, so if you are doing a review, or if your symptoms change a lot, redo the My NDIS Info and submit as part of the review or change of circumstances process.
    • Include reports from speech pathologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, or other specialists if they have treated you more than 6 months. (Don’t worry if you don’t have them as often the first plan will provide funding for these baseline reports.) Make sure they highlight your current challenges and the potential benefits of improved support. Also note that no change from baseline findings is a positive change for someone with Parkinson’s due to the progressive nature of the condition, so reports should state this.
    • Advice from care team supports: Speak with your allied health providers, social worker, support coordinator, or even peers who have undergone the NDIS process. Their insights can help you frame realistic and achievable goals.
  3. Submit an NDIS Access Request Form
    • Download the form from the NDIS website or call 1800 800 110 to request a copy.
    • Ensure your healthcare provider completes Section 2 of the form.
    • Make sure to provide all supporting evidence with your application. You can use the YOPX app to print out a pdf of some self assessments that can strengthen your initial application including, the WHODAS, PDQ-39, sleep, fatigue, relationships check-ins and more… Just complete in the app then email yourself and/or your care team the exported pdf for a snapshot of your symptoms and impacts to your daily living at the time of completing the questionnaires.
    • Lodge your application: Once your application form has been completed, the fastest way you can submit by email to NAT@ndis.gov.au. However, you can take it to an NDIA office or a LAC to be lodged. You will be given a delivery receipt, and can expect to receive a response within 21 days. Once the plan is approved, you can move on to identifying your goals and those reasonable and necessary supports to help your daily living and activities.
  4. Goal setting
    • When planning your NDIS meeting, setting clear, outcome-focused goals can make all the difference.
      1. Reflect on Your Priorities
        • Assess your needs: Think about the areas where Parkinson’s is most challenging for you—whether that’s mobility, communication, self-care, home maintenance or community participation. Identify specific aspects you’d like to improve.
        • Consider your aspirations: Reflect on what you ultimately want from your support. Rather than focusing solely on the type of funding you need, consider the opportunities or independence you wish to gain. For example, you might aim to build confidence when travelling or enhance your social interactions.
      2. Define Outcome-Focused Goals
        • Use positive, action-oriented language: Instead of stating “I need a walking aid,” consider shifting to an outcome like “I want to walk more independently.” This helps ensure that your goals are about what you want to achieve rather than just what you need.
        • Keep it broad yet personal: Broad goals allow for more flexibility. For instance, “I want to improve my balance and coordination” leaves room for various supports like physiotherapy, balance training, or assistive devices. Meanwhile, weave in personal details that make each goal uniquely yours.
        • List your goals: Organise your thoughts by writing a list of your short-term and long-term aspirations. Prioritise them so that you can focus on the most urgent needs first.
  5. Attend Your Planning Meeting
    • If your application is approved, you’ll meet with an NDIS planner to discuss your goals to determine your core supports and capacity building needs.
    • Be prepared to talk about daily challenges (always frame it on your worst day), goals (prioritise in order of what you think funding is required), and required ‘reasonable & necessary’ supports:
      • Bring your list of goals: Have your list prioritised to your top 10 goals and work through them with your NDIS planner/LAC. Not all of them may be funded, but best to work with the planner to prioritise and best express the goals needed to continue your daily activities.
      • Be ready to discuss: During the meeting, communicate clearly how each goal ties into your daily life and future aspirations. Ask your planner about the different funding categories and how certain supports can help you meet these outcomes. Make sure you are able to articulate how your symptoms and their fluctuations on your worst day influenced your goals.
      • Stay flexible: While it’s important to have clear goals, remember that your plan can be reviewed and adjusted over time. A flexible approach can mean adjustments later if your circumstances change.
  6. Receive & Implement Your Plan
    • Once approved, you’ll receive funding for supports such as assistive technology, allied health therapies, home maintenance (e.g. gardener, gutter cleaner, house cleaner), meal prep and other household chores you can no longer do. Other supports may include transportation to appointments or community activities, and home modifications if needed for safety/disability access.
    • Work with a plan manager if applicable and find NDIS providers to access services tailored to your needs.
  7. Review & Adjust Your Plan
    • Your plan can be reviewed annually to ensure it continues to meet your needs.
    • If your condition changes, you can request adjustments to your plan.

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