Applying for NDIS funding as a client – what you need to know

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government program that provides funding for people with disabilities to access the supports they need to live a full and independent life. The NDIS finished roll out in 2020 to replace the previous system of disability services, which was fragmented and difficult to navigate.

One of the many supports that the NDIS can fund is nutrition and dietetics services. If you have a disability that affects your ability to eat or maintain a healthy diet, you may be eligible for funding for dietitian consultations, meal planning, or other nutrition supports.

Applying for NDIS funding for nutrition and dietetics can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the steps involved in applying for funding, and we’ll provide some tips to help you get the most out of the process.

How the NDIS Can Help You

The NDIS can help you in a number of ways, including:

• Providing you with access to dietitian consultations and meal planning services
• Helping you to develop a healthy eating plan that meets your individual needs
• Educating you about the importance of nutrition for people with disabilities
• Supporting you to make healthy food choices
• Helping you to manage any dietary restrictions you may have

The Application Process

The application process to gain NDIS supports follows a series of steps. We will be able to assist you at various spots along the way. You will need to gather some information about your disability and your nutrition needs, and you will need to provide this information to your NDIS planner. Your planner will then assess your needs and determine whether you are eligible for funding.

Step 1: Meet Eligibility Criteria

If you are unsure whether you meet these criteria, our dietitians, will be able to support you.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Aged between 7-65y (other supports outside of this range)
2. Do you usually need support from a person because of a permanent and significant disability?
3. Permanently live in AUS with AUS residency
4. Do you use special equipment because of a permanent and significant disability?
5. Do you need some supports now to reduce your future needs?

Step 2: Apply

Once you are confident that you are eligible for the funding you can submit an application. These are the forms that you’ll need to submit:

• Access request form
• Supporting evidnece form
• Evidence of your disability. See more information here. This is where you can get certain health providers to help advocate for you. Check this website as evidence / letters from only certain professionals are accepted depending on your disability.

Step 3 & 4: Planning & Approval of Plan

Once your application has been submitted you’ll meet with a Local Area Coordinator (LAC) to discuss your goals and determine the best allocation of funding. NDIS will look to provide funding to healthcare concerns that can’t be met through general healthcare systems such as medicare. You can have as many short term, medium term or long term goals as you’d like. Your services and therapies, all need to progress you towards these goals.

Tips for Applying for Funding

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of the NDIS application process:

• Be clear about your needs. The more specific you can be about the supports you need, the more likely you are to be approved for funding.
• Gather evidence to support your application. This could include medical reports, letters from your doctor or dietitian, or food diaries.
• Be prepared to advocate for yourself. The NDIS process can be complex, so it’s important to be prepared to advocate for yourself and your needs.

If you already have funding for a dietitian, contact us to book an initial session.