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NDIS

13 replies

MaitlandGirl · 02/05/2023 05:28

Anyone else trying to work their way through the madness that is the NDIS?

My wife is trying to get approved for NDIS but we’re finding the specialist reports to be so damn expensive. $250 for the psych and $3100 for the occupational therapist.

We’ve been told we can’t get the NDIS approval without the reports that prove she needs the therapy. We’re currently paying for private sessions with the therapists each week and spending over $1000 each week.

The GP is useless and just tells us to look online (!) but the neurologist is supportive. We’ve got a letter confirming diagnosis so that’s a start.

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ChocolateCrackles · 02/05/2023 06:22

Have you engaged with a Local Area Coordinator?

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MaitlandGirl · 02/05/2023 06:36

Yeah, we’ve been working with one but she’s never returns calls or keeps appointments.

I’m going to phone some others tomorrow and see if one of them will take us on.

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Dustyblue · 02/05/2023 06:37

Sorry I totally misunderstood your situation; I thought you were already on a plan (slaps head). I've only done this as a self-managed parent of a 6 y/o, so your situation is very different.

We were able to get on an NIDS plan via a Local Area Co-Ordinator as above, and most of the 'specialist' reports we needed could be done under Medicare. Some we had to pay for. I'm guessing this is due to his young age though.

A letter from the Neuro is a brilliant start! You can hopefully find the nearest LAC (Local Area Co-ordinator) here:

LAC Partners in the Community | NDIS

Maybe I just got a good one, but mine has been fabulous about talking me the various processes. I really suggest you fine the local one and call!

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Dustyblue · 02/05/2023 06:37

Sorry x-post

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NeedCoffeeNowPlease · 04/05/2023 07:23

If you get NDIS approved, how long does it take till the funding is available?

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Dustyblue · 04/05/2023 07:37

For me it was under a week I think, not long anyway. Once approved they put your contract/Plan together and you have to upload various forms of ID to the portal. Then you're good to go.

Of course the providers have to be pre-approved, you can't just start uploading any old expense. But that was process has been pretty quick too.

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NeedCoffeeNowPlease · 04/05/2023 07:38

Dustyblue · 04/05/2023 07:37

For me it was under a week I think, not long anyway. Once approved they put your contract/Plan together and you have to upload various forms of ID to the portal. Then you're good to go.

Of course the providers have to be pre-approved, you can't just start uploading any old expense. But that was process has been pretty quick too.

So not too long then. Thanks. I really should get onto that.

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Dustyblue · 04/05/2023 07:44

Also when you upload your expenses, they pay within 1 business day which kind of amazed me. My DS has weekly appointments that I pay upfront for, then claim back and roll that money over to the next week. He's had therapies we couldn't possibly afford without it.

Whereas it's a complex process, once you get the hang of it I've found the NDIS far easier to deal with than Medicare or Centrelink. Fingers crossed that continues!

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NeedCoffeeNowPlease · 04/05/2023 08:27

Dustyblue · 04/05/2023 07:44

Also when you upload your expenses, they pay within 1 business day which kind of amazed me. My DS has weekly appointments that I pay upfront for, then claim back and roll that money over to the next week. He's had therapies we couldn't possibly afford without it.

Whereas it's a complex process, once you get the hang of it I've found the NDIS far easier to deal with than Medicare or Centrelink. Fingers crossed that continues!

I've almost finished filling out the form just now. Then I just need to make an appointment with the GP. :-)

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Dustyblue · 04/05/2023 08:43

Best of luck :)

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NeedCoffeeNowPlease · 04/05/2023 09:47

Dustyblue · 04/05/2023 08:43

Best of luck :)

It should be pretty much a given that it will be approved. Fingers crossed!

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Dustyblue · 04/05/2023 10:35

Excellent, let us know how you get on. Do you have a Local Area Co-ordinator? Mine was great at assisting me through the application process.

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NeedCoffeeNowPlease · 04/05/2023 10:51

Dustyblue · 04/05/2023 10:35

Excellent, let us know how you get on. Do you have a Local Area Co-ordinator? Mine was great at assisting me through the application process.

We do. I plan to be self-managed.

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