Frequently Asked Questions

The NDIS is being rolled out in stages across Australia because it's a big change to the current system and needs to be implemented in a sustainable and steady way.  The scheme will be made available to new participants progressively depending on your age and where you live.

Children aged 0 to 14 years across South Australia: 1 February 2016

Young people aged 15 to 17 across South Australia: 1 January 2017

Adults aged 18 to 64 dependent on where you live: 1 July 2017

You must be an Australian citizen and have a permanent disability that meets the NDIS rules.  To check if you meet the NDIS rules visit: http://www.ndis.gov.au/ndis-access-checklist

The NDIS pays for different services for different people and supports you in becoming more independent. This can include:

Joining the community (for example: finding a job)

Getting the help you need (for example: a support worker)

Getting equipment and aids you need (for example: wheelchair)

The NDIS will not pay for things that don’t help with your disability.

For example:

Day-to-day purchases (like food or electricity)

Supports other organisations already pay for (like Medicare)

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) will help you make an individual plan that will detail what supports you need and what the NDIS will pay for.  You have control of the supports you receive and what providers you use.

You can look after your own plan, ask Barkuma for assistance or ask the NDIA for help. You can use more than one way to manage the money in your plan.

The NDIA has a working plan book to assist you.

Go to: www.ndis.gov.au/participants/planning-process

Should you require more assistance, book an appointment with a Barkuma staff member.

You will receive your current help and supports until you start your NDIS plan.

The NDIA and the South Australian Department of Communities and Social Inclusion are working together so everyone understands what is happening. You will be informed when it is time to change to the NDIS.