This page was last updated on 13 September 2018.
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a new, national approach to providing support to people with disability and their families and carers. It started in 2013 and is currently rolling out in stages across the country.
By 2019 it will have completely replaced the existing disability support system, which in New South Wales (NSW) was largely funded by Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC), part of the NSW Department of Family and Community Services (FACS).
The NDIS provides funding packages to people with disability based on their individual needs and goals. It also supports people with disability to develop their skills and confidence so they can be active members of their community and have more choice and control over the supports they receive.
Until June 2018 Carers NSW produced a monthly NDIS Update e-newsletter for carers in NSW. Now that the NDIS transition in NSW is officially complete, we are in the process of incorporating the key content of the NDIS Update into Carers NSW eNews.
Other NDIS related newsletters that may be of interest to carers are linked below:
Carers cannot get an NDIS plan or funding package in their own right. However, some supports for carers can be funded in a plan if they directly relate to the person with disability. Carers are also likely to benefit from the supports the person they care for receives.
Some people living with a mental illness experience psychosocial disability. A person with a psychosocial disability experiences impairments and participation restrictions related to a mental health condition. This can include a loss of ability to function, think clearly, experience full physical health, and manage the social and emotional aspects of their lives.
Some people with psychosocial disability will be eligible for the NDIS. For more information, view the following resources:
Children under 7 years of age follow a slightly different pathway into the NDIS. Their first point of contact is an Early Childhood Partner organisation in the local community, who will link them up with early intervention support to suit their needs. Young children will only receive an NDIS funding package if they need ongoing support.
For more information on the Early Childhood Early Intervention Approach, view the following resources:
If you are unhappy with the NDIS, be sure to tell someone. You can:
Carers NSW acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land, Elders past and present and all Aboriginal people.