National Disability Insurance Scheme

This chapter gives an overview of the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), in the context of its aim to assist individuals who meet the threshold level of disability by means of 'supports'. The NDIS is not means tested. In order to benefit from the NDIS, a person must make an access request. That request must be made when the person is aged under 65. The scheme does not replace the Age Pension nor does it replace the funding of medical services under Medicare or public hospital system. It does not cover all disabilities, only those that give rise to a substantially reduced functional capacity to engage in certain activities. When available, the supports may assist a person to maintain his or independent living circumstances. The rollout of the NDIS across Australia. Since 2013, has been gradual and at the time of writing remains incomplete. Ultimately, the Scheme is expected to cover about 450,000 people. In some jurisdictions, the rollout has by way of geographic area. In New South Wales for example, the Scheme began in the Newcastle area. Other jurisdictions, such as Tasmania, began the rollout by reference to the age of eligible persons. The NDIS is expected to be in full operation by July 2020.