Introduction
Accessing funding through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) can be a transformative step toward gaining the support you need. However, the process requires submitting evidence that substantiates your eligibility based on your disability or early intervention needs. In this guide, we break down the type of evidence you should provide, the age of the evidence, and the professionals who can provide it to enhance your chances of accessing NDIS funding.
Types of Evidence Required
When seeking NDIS funding, the evidence you provide is crucial to determine whether you meet the disability or early intervention requirements. For the disability requirements, you’ll need evidence confirming your permanent impairment and demonstrating its impact on your functional capacity. For early intervention needs, evidence of your permanent impairment and the necessity for early intervention is essential.
It’s important to understand the distinctions between these types of evidence, as they may come from different health professionals based on their qualifications and areas of expertise.
Age of the Evidence
The age of your evidence plays a role in its weight when assessing eligibility. Evidence confirming your permanent impairment can be from any age, as long as it’s from a doctor or specialist. However, evidence regarding how your impairment affects your functional capacity should be within the last 12 months. This is because functional capacity can change over time, even if the impairment itself remains constant.
Similarly, evidence confirming the need for early intervention should also be within the last 12 months, considering the potential changes in your circumstances.
Weighing of Evidence
Newer evidence is generally given more weight compared to older evidence. If you provide multiple types of evidence, newer evidence may carry greater influence in the decision-making process. Older evidence is considered with less weight, and additional information might be requested. Failure to provide additional information could lead to a determination of ineligibility for the NDIS.
Qualified Professionals
The NDIS prefers evidence from treating professionals who are:
- Appropriately Qualified: The professional should be qualified to provide evidence related to your primary disability.
- Experienced: The treating professional should have treated you for a substantial period (at least six months).
- Registered: They should be registered to practice in Australia or New Zealand.
- Original and Specific: The evidence should be original, genuine, and specific to your condition.
Examples of Professionals
For evidence of permanent impairment, common professionals include General Practitioners (GPs), Paediatricians, Orthopaedic Surgeons, Neurologists, and Psychiatrists.
For evidence of functional capacity or early intervention needs, alongside doctors and specialists, professionals like Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Psychologists, and Physiotherapists can provide supporting evidence.
Registered Health Professionals
The NDIS strongly prefers evidence from registered Australian or New Zealand health professionals. While evidence from non-registered or non-Australian/New Zealand health professionals is considered, it holds less weight. If registration cannot be confirmed, more information may be requested, or eligibility could be jeopardised.
Conclusion
Accessing NDIS funding requires careful attention to the evidence you provide. By understanding the types of evidence, the age of the evidence, and the qualified professionals who can offer it, you can increase your chances of a successful application. Remember, your evidence paints a clear picture of your disability or early intervention needs and forms the foundation for receiving the vital support you require through the NDIS. If you need assistance with gathering evidence or understanding the process, reach out to your local area coordinator or early childhood partner for guidance.
Reach out to www.dsp.net.au if you need any help in any way for anything anytime.
