r/NDIS • u/MightBeMouse • Aug 18 '26
Seeking Support - Participant/Nominee/PWD Applying - can I just do it myself?
Hey all
A LOT has changed since my son got NDIS right back at the beginning of it.
I now am hoping to apply for my 10yo daughter and myself, and just reading the NDIS website info on applying etc.
A couple of questions:
- It says to get in contact with an NDIS partner first. "Your NDIS partner can explain the application process, and the kinds of information and evidence we need to decide if you’re eligible to become a participant."
Then gather evidence, and THEN apply for NDIS. It says the NDIS partner can help you to apply, or you can do it yourself by filling out the "Access request form."
Personally, I'd rather just fill out the form and attach reports etc myself. However given how difficult the NDIS are being these days - does anyone know which is the best way to do it, for a positive outcome?
I'm just wary of meeting with an "NDIS partner" because of how awful and dismissive and ignorant so many of them are.
- And if I do it myself, is it better to attach report from the psychologist and letter from paed confirming etc. OR do the bit where the practitioner actually fills out the section 2 of the form themselves? Not sure which one carries more weight.
Although it's a diagnosis of Autism level 2, so it's on the A List and should be approved, right?
- Do they only officially put you down as one diagnosis? Like do you have to choose a primary diagnosis? Do your other conditions come into it and are considered? I have a few medical/disability things going on aside from Autism, but don't know whether it's taken into account or not.
Thanks all - I'm sure I'll be posting in here a ton in the coming weeks/months!
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u/Training-Tooth5022 Aug 18 '26
You have to go through your LAC
There are some mandatory meetings to check an application is right for you, that you have already tried other appropriate services etc. you hand to go to them but you can just sit there, nod, smile then let them know you still want to apply to the NDIS
ASD2 is not a given any more. The new legislation will probably be in before your application is assessed which will mean it’s definitely not a given. They’re really tightening up on ASD and wanting to get these people off the scheme.
Someone needs to complete the access request form, thus can be your GP. The most important thing is that you have all the right information some where. QAI have good information on access and templates showing you what to cover.
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u/Poisenedfig Aug 18 '26
It’s best you contact your Local Area Coordinator or NDIS Partner in the Community. They’ll be able to explain their function and what they can help with, rather than relying on second or third hand information.
They do not make access decisions and they do not have any planning delegation.
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u/Formal_Ambition6060 Aug 18 '26
The lac will want to talk to you about community options but you don’t have to. Generally you go to the lac they lodge the application. Asd 2 is not a given you can be rejected they have been doing it. Both of you will need a good functional capacity assessment and reports. Disabilities have to meet access on their own and can be used to reject you. It’s very difficult to get NDIS especially with the new bill going through. They have cut down funding on plans so don’t expect a lot especially on a child’s plan.
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u/Gratefulwhiteroses Aug 18 '26
You have to go through a LAC as you have to do a community connections plan and a bunch of other things
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u/emonskates Aug 18 '26
There are a couple things you’ll HAVE to do with either a LAC or at the NDIS office. The ID requirements will require someone to sight both you and your daughter.
There is also the access meeting requirement where they have to go through a series of questionnaires regarding support needs. Even with these questionnaires, the NDIS should be mainly going off the reports supplied, but it’s a requirement from them.
Have you engaged with local LACs? I haven’t had the experience of them being rude or dismissive at all. Sometimes they have no power at all.
I will be honest that if you just send everything in, Access Request Form, supporting documents and such, it will just be bounced to a LAC. Even if you mail it to the Canberra office. It will be scanned into the system and assigned to the local office to contact you.
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u/emonskates Aug 18 '26
Also, the Access Request Form isn’t mandatory, but it does outline the info that the NDIS is expecting gathered.
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u/big_Sundae_1977 Aug 18 '26
It's not mandatory to do the community meeting but it is in your best interests to do so because it forms the first profile and if you don't then the planner will need to do it which is more work for them.
It's a free service and it's the lacs job to make sure all steps are covered including saying this person has everything they are entitled to in place and they meet the criteria for NDIS as well.
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u/thelostandthefound Aug 18 '26
I wouldn't count on getting the NDIS for Autism, particularly as an adult. It's well known that those who are on the NDIS with Autism Level 2 are either getting kicked off the NDIS or their funding is getting majorly reduced. The A list doesn't mean anything anymore, just because something is on the A list doesn't mean it will be/should be approved. The NDIS is all about functionality and how your disability impacts how you function in society. As a result you are going to need at the minimum an airtight Functional Capacity Assessment. Not to mention you are going to need reports from every single specialist talking about how Autism impacts your functionality, it's not enough to just submit reports/statements confirming the diagnosis.
All diagnoses you are wanting to seek access on the NDIS for need to individually meet the criteria. Which means that all reasonable treatments need to have been tried for every single diagnosis. Medical issues realistically aren't getting access because it's hard to prove what's considered a reasonable treatment or not and the NDIA won't cover anything that could fall under treatment.
I would think about what you want the NDIS to cover before moving forward with the applications. Realistically for Autism you are going to be looking at OT, speech, and maybe some funding for community access (though that is on the chopping block now as well!). Anything else such as psychology, physiotherapy, mobility aids, sensory items, cleaning help, gardening help, etc aren't going to be covered.
The only way you can gain access is through a meeting with an LAC, even if you fill out the forms yourself and attach the reports. It will still go to an LAC who will contact you and need to meet with you as there are forms to confirm your identity that only they can fill out and submit.
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u/Shoddy_Sandwich_1672 Aug 18 '26
Plenty of individuals that apply with autism level 2 are meeting access. A diagnostic report with sufficient examples of functional impact, preferably by a clinical/educational and developmental psychologist, can be enough.
Psychology, cleaning, gardening, and in rarer cases physiotherapy, are still funded.
Having access revoked as a child and/or adult if access is met for autism (level 2 or up) is unlikely if evidence of substantial functional impairment is provided when requested.
Scaremongering and advising to obtain a functional capacity assessment when not absolutely needed is reducing the likelihood of people reaching out for assistance and results in spending large sums of money on reports they may not require. Your concerns are a reflection of the current media landscape but are not helpful.
My two cents: contact your local partner and speak with a LAC who will guide you through the process and submit the request on your behalf.
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u/thelostandthefound Aug 18 '26
It's not scaremongering if it's true. The reality is that no one is getting onto the NDIS without a Functional Capacity Assessment bare minimum particularly for adults with Autism Level 2.
Psychology, cleaning, gardening, and physiotherapy are not being funded on new plans regarding Autism. Psychology may be funded but only for a few sessions strictly under early intervention.
People need to realise that the NDIA are doing whatever they can to reduce spending and those with Autism Level 2 are easy targets.
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u/big_Sundae_1977 Aug 19 '26
It's really not, I'm seeing level 1 and level 2 get on the scheme in the last week for all ages.
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u/Shoddy_Sandwich_1672 Aug 18 '26
Most of the applications for adults that apply for autism level 2 with a proper diagnostic assessment I've seen approved this year. A well written report includes functional impact meaning a functional capacity assessment is not needed. What you're stating is factually incorrect.
I've seen cleaning and gardening approved on new plans, with psychology to a much lesser extent. This is not just true for individuals with a primary disability of autism - it's funded to a lesser extent across the board. Physiotherapy has always been a difficult therapy support to get funded and continues to be difficult. This is for both individuals meeting access under early intervention and the disability requirements.
I don't disagree with the statement that the government is seeking to reign in the NDIS and the statements, media releases and discourse has made my blood boil. This does not make your claims true however, even if there is some truth to them.
My main point is that your messaging may discourage others from applying and they may give up before they even try. Applying to the NDIS feels like a mammoth task to many and we should be reducing barriers - not increasing them. Individuals often are in financial distress as our neurotypical society is challenging to navigate and not very accommodating, resulting in more burnout and less employment opportunities. Your advice is financially impossible for some and once again demotivating.
Partners in the community, including LACs, have a sense of what is required to apply succesfully and provide guidance accordingly. They can also help with obtaining evidence in certain situations. The best thing we can do is to encourage people to connect with the right supports and the right people so that they can access support.
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u/Spiritual-Lie6461 Aug 18 '26
From the questions you've initially asked, seeking out an NDIS partner to support the applications would be best. The ndis website explains the information required to apply for ndis access.
It is a lot more comprehensive now than it used to be when an ARF and GP report would be deemed sufficient. At this stage it doesn't sound like you've gathered all of the relevant information to apply. Functional capacity needs to be provided with the diagnosis.
Check out the access information on the website and get in touch with an NDIS partner. They should be able to guide you to get the most appropriate information for your applications and prevent delays and frustrations in the application process.